State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said those eligible would now receive a maximum RM50,000 or as per their quotation.
He said previously, only RM20,000 was allocated to interested parties.
“This is to accommodate the higher cost of building materials and construction costs due to the after effects of the GST.
“It is hoped the federal government can exempt the building, repair and renovation of places of worship from GST,” Jagdeep told reporters in Komtar today.
He said since the funds were first set up on Sept 9, 2015, RM611,611.20 had been given to 31 non-Muslim places of worship.
Jagdeep said the current balance in the fund was RM6,402,076.80.
Money for the Penang Non-Muslim Places of Worship Trust Fund (RIBI) is collected from developers’ contributions to local authorities.
Developers’ are required to contribute to the trust fund when they are unable to build non-Muslim places of worship, due to scarcity of land in their respective projects.
The trust funds are kept by the respective local councils, i.e. Penang Island City Council and Seberang Prai Municipal Council.
Those interested in applying for the RM50,000 must furnish:
- An official letter requesting for the funds;
- A support letter or comment from the respective assembly member of the constituency;
- A copy of the Registrar of Societies registration;
- A list of committee members from the association/organisation;
- Proof of approval from the building or land owner;
- Land ownership status in the form of land tax receipt or grant;Map of the temple or church to be repaired or to be built;
- The kind of repairs or construction that is about to take place, and;
- Three different quotations for repairs and construction.
Those interested can then head to the Town and Country Planning Department, 57th floor, Komtar or visit jpbg.penang.gov.my.
For more details, interested applicants may call or email:
Mr Annai Minsai, 04-6505543, [email protected]
Mr Loh Yoon Sang, 04-6505544, [email protected]
Mrs Sri Ranjini Awali, 04-6505427, [email protected]