(Kuching, Jan 10) DAP Pending State Assemblywoman Violet Yong today allocated the Non-Muslim Religious Sites Fund to the Kuching Bintawa Heng Ann Thian Miau Temple for repairing the ceiling and cracks near the stage within the temple.
She disclosed that the temple has received a total of RM71,247 approved by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government from the Non-Islamic Religious Sites Repair Fund.
She stated that the application for the fund was submitted on June 25th last year; approval notification was received on October 15th and an email notification of the fund deposit was received on November 26th.
She mentioned that the temple began renovation in mid-December last year and is expected to complete the renovations by February 10th this year to host Chinese New Year celebrations.
Violet Yong pointed out during an interview today that the Malaysia Madani government adheres to a policy of diversity, openness, and fairness, allowing all non-Islamic religious sites in the country to apply for the repair fund annually.
She stated that the Ministry of Housing does not limit applications from any religious sites, and even sites that have previously received funding can apply again. The ministry will decide on grant approvals based on conditions, needs, and urgency.
She emphasized that the ministry follows a fair, open, and diverse policy to ensure no one is forgotten or marginalized through the Non-Islamic Religious Sites Repair Fund.
“According to the Ministry of Housing's data from last year, in 2024, the Ministry has allocated RM46.13 million to support 422 non-Islamic religious sites nationwide. Among them, 155 temples and 94 churches received a total of RM24.67 million.”
She mentioned that in the 2025 budget, the Malaysia Madani government has once again allocated RM50 million for the repair of non-Islamic religious sites nationwide.
Violet Yong noted that this means, since the establishment of the Malaysia Madani government, the total amount of the Non-Islamic Religious Sites Repair Fund over three years has reached RM150 million, the highest ever.
“This fully demonstrates the Malaysia Madani government's commitment to benefiting all people regardless of race or religion, and its firm determination to defend a diverse society.”
Additionally, she urged more non-Islamic religious sites to actively apply for the repair fund to ensure the safety and functionality of their facilities.