Penang: The Penang government, through the Trust Fund for Non-Islamic Houses of Worship (RIBI), has approved 333 applications, with allocations totaling over RM13.6 million since 2016. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this demonstrated the state government's commitment to ensuring RIBI's smooth operation, thus proving that it governed Penang in a fair and just manner.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, for this year, an allocation of RM1.88 million has been approved for 54 RIBIs in the state, and this commitment will continue for the welfare of all, especially the people of Penang. Chow made these remarks after presenting a mock cheque to the recipients at Komtar. Additionally, between 2018 and 2024, 129 RIBIs have received land from the Penang government, as part of efforts to ensure that houses of worship for followers of other religions were provided with necessary facilities and space to grow, with full support from the state government.

Meanwhile, State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim stated that since she assumed the portfolio in October 2023, the special RIBI trust fund committee had assessed, screened, and processed 116 applications. Of these, the committee approved 97 applications, amounting to RM3.614 million in 2024, marking the highest allocation ever approved since 2016.

Lim highlighted that the allocated funds were used for construction, maintenance, and emergency repair work. She emphasized that this financial assistance was crucial in easing the financial burden of RIBI in managing the restoration and maintenance work of their premises.