THE Penang government has granted a RM50,000 allocation under the Ribi (places of worship other than Islam) Fund, for the iconic St George’s Church in Farquhar Street.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the church’s application was approved by the Ribi Fund committee, headed by Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Commitee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.
“The committee has approved the maximum amount of RM50,000 to assist the church in carrying out repair works of the premises.
“In general, some RM7.3 million have been given out to assist various Ribi organisations under the Ribi Fund between 2016 and January this year.
“The breakdown are as follows – temples (RM3.7 million), Hindu temples (RM1.9 million), churches (RM1.19 million) and gurdwaras (RM499,390),” Chow said before presenting a mock cheque to the Anglican church today.
Chow said that the St George’s Church is a 19th-century Anglican church.
“It is also the Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican church.
“We hope that the allocation can help the church in its repair works,” Chow said.
Anglican Church Diocese of West Malaysia Suffragan Bishop Rev Datuk Charles K. Samuel thanked the state government for reaching out and constantly helping the needy.
“The church is over 200 years old and it needs a lot of repairs.
“The church has been servicing the community for more than 200 years,” he said.
Jagdeep said that his committee would always try to help the Ribi organisations in their applications.
“The applicant can receive up to RM50,000 per project under the Ribi Fund.
“We have received a total of 176 applications since the setting up of the fund.
“We will continue to process the pending applications. This is a testament to our commitment to assist Penangites.
“The Islamic places of worship are being assisted by their community leaders,” he said.
Jagdeep also said that the state is committed to address Ribi land matters.
Also present was the church’s Bishop Andrew Phang
On a separate note, he urged the public not to discard their disposable face masks indiscriminately.
“This is about education and civic mindedness.
“We have to work together to keep our environment clean,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad