By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, June 12 — A total of 77 churches in Selangor are set to receive RM752,000 in aid from the state government to help with upgrading works.
Selangor standing committee on non-Islamic affairs (Limas) co-chairman Hee Loy Sian said the allocation will be disbursed based on the needs and criteria of the respective houses of worship.
He added that the state had received over 2,000 applications to date.
“They (churches) will receive between RM5,000 and RM50,000 according to their needs,” he said after attending a ceremony on the handing over of checks to the Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Association, here, today.
“So far, RM462,000 has been channeled to 44 churches, while the remaining RM290,000 will be given to 33 churches by the end of this month.”
According to Hee, Limas is committed to resolving issues concerning houses of worship, land disputes and site applications to ensure harmony.
Hee further noted that the RM8 million that has been allocated by the state this year for repairs and upgrading of non-Muslim houses of worship is the highest recorded to date.
Meanwhile, Penial Church’s Pastor Jonathon Renu expressed gratitude for the RM5,000 aid provided for his church in Taman Sri Manja, Petaling Jaya, and said the sum would be used to upgrade its kitchen cabinets.
Lutheran Church supervisor Lee Hock Goan similarly commended the state over the care it has shown, and said the cash assistance would be used to replace or repair old equipment.
