MELAKA, Nov 7 (Bernama) — Melaka is allocating RM1.3 million in financial assistance for the repair, maintenance, and emergency works of non-Muslim Houses of Worship (RISI) under the state’s Budget 2022 initiative.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said a total of RM591,750 will be given to 16 applicants in the first phase of the aid assistance while the rest will be given to applicants in phase two according to the conditions set.

“Each application will be scrutinised in line with the existing rules and guidelines so that this aid will achieve its goals and objectives in supporting non-Muslim houses of worship.

“The decision made by the RISI Committee takes into account the conditions set by the National Unity Ministry and Melaka RISI Guidelines in line with the sensitivities of the people in this state,” he told reporters in Ayer Keroh here today.

Earlier, Sulaiman attended the presentation ceremony which was also attended by the State Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Committee chairman V.P. Shanmugam and State Unity, Information, Human Resources and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem.

Sulaiman said there were 428 religious associations registered with the Melaka State Registrar of Societies, but a check of records found that only 168 RISIs were registered with the state government.

He said it was important for every RISI in Melaka to be registered under the state government to facilitate the authorities to carry out monitoring, avoid objections from local residents, and maintain harmony and peace among the races.

“Certainly, there are several advantages if these non-Muslim houses of worship are registered with the state government because if there is an allocation to be channelled by the federal government, then registered RISIs have the opportunity to obtain this financial allocation,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency