Putrajaya: Five non-Muslim houses of worship in Sarikei, Sarawak, have received a major boost after securing nearly RM500,000 in federal funding under the Inisiatif Penyelenggaraan Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam (RIBI), following coordinated efforts led by Senator Roderick Wong Siew Lead.
Wong, who is also DAP Sarawak Assistant Organizing Secretary, accompanied representatives of San Nguong Sia Temple to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) in Putrajaya recently for the signing ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST), marking the official approval of the funding.
The beneficiaries include San Nguong Sia Temple, Bee Eng Methodist Church, Methodist Town Church, Kwang Eng Methodist Church, and Su En Learning Centre, with funds allocated for repair, maintenance, and upgrading works to improve safety and comfort for worshippers.
Expressing appreciation to the MADANI Government, Roderick said the assistance reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance that benefits all Malaysians regardless of race or religion.
He noted that since 2023, KPKT has been entrusted with overseeing matters related to non-Muslim houses of worship nationwide, with applications processed through the e-RIBI system.
“The annual application window typically opens in the second quarter of the year,” he said.
Roderick also extended special thanks to Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming for his attention and support, adding that the RIBI initiative demonstrates the government’s determination to uphold diversity and social harmony.
“Since assuming office, I have remained committed not only to serving the people and community organisations, but also to securing resources to improve facilities at non-Muslim houses of worship,” he said, adding that the funding helps ease financial pressure on management bodies, particularly for construction, maintenance, and urgent repair works.
He encouraged churches, temples, and Buddhist halls nationwide to take advantage of the annual RIBI allocation and invited interested organisations to visit his service centre for guidance on the application process.
Roderick explained that applicants must submit complete documentation, including registration certificates, bank details, and land ownership or tenancy documents.
“A detailed Bill of Quantities (BQ) is essential to ensure smooth evaluation by authorities.
“Under the RIBI programme, funding is capped at RM250,000 per applicant, and successful recipients are required to complete the approved works within the stipulated timeframe after signing the Letter of Acceptance,” he said.
