IPOH: A total of RM123.7mil has been approved to upgrade and restore 1,048 non-Islamic houses of worship nationwide under the Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam (Ribi) initiative as of last December, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to preserving non-Islamic houses of worship as vital community institutions in line with the principles of inclusivity, unity in diversity and social harmony.
“Houses of worship are not merely physical structures, but centres for nurturing noble values, national unity and community well-being,” he added.
“No house of worship should be left in disrepair or neglected, as every community deserves access to safe, decent and comfortable facilities.”
Nga said this during his visit yesterday to the Chinese Methodist Church Taiping in Bukit Larut, which received RM250,000 for restoration and repair works.
Built in 1905, it is believed to be the country’s first Methodist prayer house with 121 years of historical heritage.
As part of his official working visit to Taiping, Nga concluded the trip with a visit to the newly upgraded Medan Siang Malam, a top tourist destination for local delicacies.
He also continued his official engagements in Ipoh on the same day, including attending the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall Chinese New Year Celebration, followed by the premiere of the film Ah Being vs Nenek Neo.
He subsequently attended the Ipoh Timur parliamentary constituency’s Chinese New Year Celebration before officiating the closing ceremony of the Chinese New Year Cultural Festival at Kinta Riverfront.
The annual event, which was held over a span of nine days this year, attracted thousands of visitors from across the country including Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor Baru, as well as international attendees.
