AS of November 2024, a total of 950 non-Islamic houses of worship (RIBIs) have been registered and verifiied n Penang through the eRIBI System.
State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim (PH-Sungai Pinang) revealed this during the State Legislative Assembly at the State Assembly building in Light Street today.
“Based on the information obtained by the Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) the eRIBI system has recorded 1,164 data entries.
“Out of these, 950 RIBIs have been verified, while the ‘whitening process’ for the remaining 214 is still ongoing.
“The database the RIBI System in the eRIBI System is also being updated,” Lim said in response to an oral question from Ong Ah Teong (PH-Batu Lancang).
Lim explained that the registration of a religious institution can fall under the Constitutional Act, or be processed through the Registrar of Societies or Malaysia Companies Commission of Malaysia.
“Based on the information obtained by the RIBI Coordination Committee through the Town and Country Planning Department (JPBD), approval has been granted for 129 RIBI sites designated for religious purposes,” she added.
Lim also emphasised the importance of fostering mutual respect for all religions and places of worship, whether Islamic or non-Islamic, as an essential value within the community.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis