By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Dec 29 — The state government has allocated RM805,200 to 51 churches for upgrading works and activities to be held throughout 2021, says special executive councillor for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism (Limas) Hee Loy Sian.
Hee said the aid, which will be distributed in phases, includes distribution of food baskets to lighten the burden of Malaysian Christians who earn low wages (B40) and are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Although the allocation is not as much, Selangor is the only state (in Malaysia) that has been consistently contributing to other non-Islamic religious institutions.
“This proves our commitment towards places of worship in order for people to have all kinds of activities, add equipment or to renovate their buildings,” he said after attending the aid contribution ceremony for Christian houses at the Selangor State Secretariat Building here today.
There were altogether 23 Christian associations throughout the state that had received the contribution in its second phase involving a total fund of RM237,200.
Hee added that the approval for the aid was given after taking into consideration factors that include the needs as well as the number of people in a church, following encouraging responses it received.
“I hope church associations can apply through the website and obtain support from their respective state assemblymen before the applications can be sent to my office to be processed,” he said.
