KLUANG: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has allocated RM200mil to implement the Non-Muslim Houses of Worship (Ribi) Maintenance Initiative nationwide for a period of four years, which started in 2023.
Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic) said the initiative covers maintenance work on churches, gurdwaras, Hindu temples and other temples as well as other associations, which is clear proof of the Madani government’s commitment to be fair to all.
He said so far, 1,478 applications have been received through the e-Ribi System with a total value of more than RM279mil, reflecting the community’s ongoing need for the maintenance and improvement of the religious premises involved.
“With the spirit of no one left behind, no one marginalised, we want to ensure that in our efforts to rebuild our country whether Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban or Kadazan-Dusun, we as a family are caring, respectful and loving towards each other.
“When there are those who try to build walls, we build bridges. There are those who foster division; we foster unity.
“This is an important message for us to maintain our country’s stability so that the ringgit can continue to strengthen, investors can come in and job opportunities can be created for the benefit of all of us,” Nga said.
He was speaking at a press conference after attending the Johor Ribi Maintenance Initiative Allocation Handover ceremony at the Che Luan Khor Morality Uplifting Society here in conjunction with the ministry’s 4.0 Sentuhan Kasih Programme 2026 tour series in the state.
At the ceremony, Nga also announced an allocation of RM3.14mil to benefit 27 Ribi in Johor this year.
The allocation, he said, will be used to carry out renovations, maintenance, new construction and emergency repairs of Ribi throughout Johor to ensure that the facilities continue to function properly for the benefit of the community.
“The Madani government does not see development through the lens of race or religion alone but rather ensuring that every community benefits fairly and equitably to strengthen national unity.
“The diversity that is the identity of Malaysia must continue to be preserved and celebrated as a strength that unites the people,” Nga said, Bernama reported.
To ensure transparency and effectiveness, he said the ministry will continue to monitor every approved project professionally, efficiently and transparently so that government allocations are channelled to truly deserving organisations.
Nga said that Johor has received RM18.75mil since 2023 until May 20 this year, which directly benefitted 154 Ribi.
