THE Penang government has been constantly aiding places of workship in the state.
Funds from the RIBI (places of worship other than Islam) Fund have been disbursed to 153 RIBI since 2016.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said a total of RM6,141,321.24 has been used to assist RIBI, in relation to upgrading and building works, over the years.
“The fund has a balance of RM3.068 million. The fund is supported by the contributions from developers who apply to be exempted from supplying land for RIBI,” Jagdeep told a press conference today.
He urged RIBI to apply for the fund.
“Those eligible can receive a maximum RM50,000 or as per their quotation,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state hoped to assist the people and the houses of worship, although the amount might not be much.
“Penang is a small state and we have a limited revenue base too.
“We will do what we can to assist the people and the places of worship. This is our commitment,” he said before presenting a mock cheque of RM50,000 to Persatuan Ong Si Geok Pan at the premises in Kedah Road.
The association had applied for an allocation from the RIBI Fund to replace the roof and to paint its building.
Association chairman Ong Chee Keong was grateful and he thanked the Penang government for the assistance.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Alvie Cheng