Jagdeep Singh Deo: Federal govt should create fund for non-Islamic places of worship

GEORGE TOWN (Dec 20): The federal government should set up a fund for non-Islamic places of worship (RIBI), said Penang executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo (pictured).

According to a report by the Malay Mail, Jagdeep said Penang already has a RIBI fund “to help eligible non-Islamic places worship in the state”.

“We are the first in the country to set up this fund so the federal government can follow Penang’s funding model for RIBI to set up a similar fund for RIBIs in the whole country,” he told the media after giving an allocation of RM32,742.80 to St Paul’s Church here.

“We can share with the federal government on how to set up such a fund and allocate it to eligible places of worship,” he added.

The news portal also reported that RM4.9 million have been disbursed to 136 RIBIs in Penang.

“Even after disbursing RM4.9 million, we still have a balance of RM3.8 million so RIBIs in the state can still apply for funding,” he said.

Jagdeep explained that the fund is allocated to RIBIs that need monies for restoration and repairs.