Kuala lumpur: No new construction and expansion of non-Muslim houses of worship (RIBI) on government land in the Federal Territories will be allowed starting today, with enforcement action to be taken against violations. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh announced that the directive aims to prevent new encroachment cases and unauthorized expansions of existing structures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah Yeoh stated that starting today, no construction or additions will be permitted on government land without permission, and any violations will be subject to enforcement action by local authorities under existing regulations. She emphasized that all actions will be carried out prudently and respectfully, taking into account local community sensitivities. The directive was discussed during the RIBI Committee Meeting of the Federal Territories, which she chaired.
Hannah Yeoh highlighted that the terms of reference for the meeting have been enhanced with input from Kuala Lumpur parliamentarians and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) to strengthen the discussion and resolution process. She noted that the MADANI Government is adopting a structured, prudent, and fair approach to addressing this matter, considering community needs and existing legal frameworks.
To support these efforts, the Federal Territories Department has developed a mapping of unauthorized RIBI by parliamentary constituencies, identifying 163 structures on government land to date. Additionally, the meeting agreed to establish 11 sub-committees chaired by Members of Parliament in their respective areas to lead discussions with relevant stakeholders, including MCCBCHST.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is refining guidelines on managing non-Islamic places of worship to ensure a more aligned and orderly approach nationwide. Hannah Yeoh expressed confidence that this inclusive and prudent approach will ensure that issues are resolved effectively while maintaining harmony in the multicultural society of the Federal Territories.