As of October 30th this year, the government has allocated a total of 46.1 million in grants to 422 non-Muslim places of worship across the country. Of these, 147 Hindu temples have collectively received 19.1 million in funding, as reported by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). This funding aims to support the maintenance, renovation, and development of these places of worship, ensuring they continue to serve their communities effectively.
According to state-wise distribution, the highest number of Hindu temples receiving funding is from Selangor, with a total of 33 temples. Following closely are Perak with 32 temples, and Johor with 19 temples. Malacca and Negeri Sembilan received grants for 15 and 14 temples, respectively, while Kedah had 12 temples funded. Pahang saw 8 temples benefiting from the grants, and Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan each had 6 temples receiving support.
Penang had 3 temples funded, while Kelantan, which has a relatively smaller Hindu population, saw 2 temples receive funding. Sabah also had 3 temples that were granted funding. The amount of funding allocated to each temple varied significantly, with the highest grant reaching up to RM250,000, while the lowest amount received by a temple was RM14,495.
The government’s commitment to providing financial assistance underscores its recognition of the importance of religious and cultural diversity in Malaysia, as well as its efforts to ensure that all communities, regardless of faith, have the resources needed to preserve their cultural heritage. This initiative not only reinforces Malaysia’s multicultural identity but also fosters unity and inclusivity among its diverse population.
Source: Vanakkam Malaysia
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