No More Construction, Expansion of RIBI On Govt Land In Federal Territories - Hannah

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- No new construction and expansion of non-Muslim houses of worship (RIBI) on government land in the Federal Territories will be allowed starting today, with enforcement action to be taken against violations.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the directive aimed to prevent new encroachment cases and the unauthorised expansion of existing structures.

“Starting today, to prevent new encroachment cases and the expansion of existing structures (of RIBI) without permission on government land, no construction or additions will be allowed and will be subject to enforcement action by local authorities in accordance with prevailing regulations.

“All actions will be carried out prudently and respectfully taking into account local community sensitivities,” she said in a Facebook post, today.

The matter was discussed during the RIBI Committee Meeting of the Federal Territories which she chaired on Tuesday. 

Hannah said the terms of reference for the meeting had also been enhanced with the involvement of Kuala Lumpur parliamentarians and Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) to strengthen the discussion and resolution process.

“The MADANI Government is adopting a structured, prudent and fair approach to handling this matter, taking into account community needs and existing legal frameworks,” she noted.

To support these efforts, Hannah said the Federal Territories Department has developed a mapping of unauthorised RIBI by parliamentary constituencies with 163 structures have been identified on government land to date.

Besides that, Hannah said the meeting also agreed to establish 11 sub-committees chaired by Members of Parliament in their respective areas to lead discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the MCCBCHST.

At the same time, she said the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is refining guidelines on the management of non-Islamic places of worship to help ensure a more aligned and orderly approach nationwide.

“I believe this inclusive and prudent approach will ensure that every issue is resolved well while maintaining harmony in the multicultural society of the Federal Territories,” she added.

-- BERNAMA