Govt allocates RM50mil to maintain non-Islamic places of worship
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming ( pic ) said the initiative, introduced under the 2025 Budget, aims to ensure that temples, churches and similar sites remain well-maintained and comfortable for worshippers.
Speaking at a grant presentation ceremony at the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia in Petagas, Nga said that as of Monday (July 7), RM2.7mil had been approved for 15 RIBI organisations in Sabah, with several other applications still under review.
"I understand that several applications are still being processed and I hope more will be submitted," he said, adding that the ministry approved RM4.81mil last year for 35 RIBI nationwide to carry out similar works.
Nga reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving Malaysia's multi-faith society, assuring that the initiative would be implemented in a professional, efficient and transparent manner.
"No one will be left behind. The goal is to ensure these funds are distributed fairly and equitably to those who need them the most," he said. - Bernama
Sabah, RIBI, Places Of Worship, Financial Aid, Nga Kor Ming, Housing and Local Government Ministry
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Ringgit strengthens against US dollar as China economic data boosts sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit finished higher against the US dollar at the close on Tuesday as market sentiment improved on the back of better-than-expected economic data from China. News that NVIDIA can resume microchips sales to China also suggested that US tariff shocks could be managed, further lifting sentiments. At 6 pm, the local note rose to 4.2395/2440 from Tuesday's close of 4.2505/2560. SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said the ringgit "caught a gentle tailwind' after China's second quarter gross domestic product surprised to the upside, which is a regional morale boost driven not by American demand, but by "China's resilience in non-US export lanes.' "It's a reminder that ASEAN currencies, particularly the ringgit, can still find traction when Beijing's supply engine hums and its trade compass pivots south and east rather than west,' he added. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid agreed that external factors had driven the ringgit and other currencies to a stronger level today. At the close, the ringgit was traded higher against a basket of major currencies. It strengthened against the British pound to 5.7047/7107 from 5.7305/7379, improved against the Japanese yen to 2.8702/8734 from 2.8858/8897 and was up versus the euro at 4.9539/9591 from 4.9693/9757. The local note also trended higher against ASEAN currencies. It traded higher vis-à-vis the Singapore dollar at 3.3095/3133 from 3.3184/3229 yesterday, improved against the Indonesian rupiah to 260.6/261.0 from 261.5/262.0 and strengthened versus the Philippine peso to 7.47/7.49 from 7.50/7.51. It gained against the Thai baht to 13.0784/0988 from 13.1213/1439. - Bernama
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Apple invests US$500mil in rare earths producer MP Materials
NEW YORK: Apple said on Tuesday it would invest US$500 million into rare earths mine operator MP Materials, as the iPhone maker seeks to localise its mineral supply chain. The investment is part of a broader push to bring the production of its coveted iPhones to the US and boost US manufacturing amid a push from the Trump administration to cut reliance on China. Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to make magnets that turn power into motion. China halted rare earths exports in March following a trade spat with US President Donald Trump that showed some signs of easing late last month, even as broader tensions underscored demand for non-Chinese supply. Shares of Las Vegas-based MP Materials jumped 10 per cent to US$52.37 in premarket trading. MP last week agreed to a multibillion-dollar deal with the US Department of Defense to boost output of rare earth magnets and help loosen China's market control. Apple said the MP investment is part of its US$500 billion commitment to the US. The agreement includes plans for Apple to purchase US-made rare earth magnets from MP Materials' Texas facility. It would be the first supply deal for MP's magnets since the financial backstop agreement with Washington. MP already produces mined and processed rare earths and has said it expects to start commercial magnet production in its Texas facility by the end of this year. The two companies would build another factory in Texas to produce magnets and a new recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California, near the company's existing mine. Last week's deal with the US government includes a price floor for rare earths, designed to spur investment in domestic mines and processing plants, which has been lagging partly due to low prices set in China.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ringgit strengthens against US dollar as China economic data boosts sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit finished higher against the US dollar at the close on Tuesday as market sentiment improved on the back of better-than-expected economic data from China. News that Nvidia can resume microchips sales to China also suggested that US tariff shocks could be managed, further lifting sentiments. At 6pm, the local note rose to 4.2395/2440 from Tuesday's close of 4.2505/2560. SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said the ringgit "caught a gentle tailwind" after China's second quarter gross domestic product surprised to the upside, which is a regional morale boost driven not by American demand, but by "China's resilience in non-US export lanes." "It's a reminder that ASEAN currencies, particularly the ringgit, can still find traction when Beijing's supply engine hums and its trade compass pivots south and east rather than west," he added. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid agreed that external factors had driven the ringgit and other currencies to a stronger level today. At the close, the ringgit was traded higher against a basket of major currencies. It strengthened against the British pound to 5.7047/7107 from 5.7305/7379, improved against the Japanese yen to 2.8702/8734 from 2.8858/8897 and was up versus the euro at 4.9539/9591 from 4.9693/9757. The local note also trended higher against Asean currencies. It traded higher vis-à-vis the Singapore dollar at 3.3095/3133 from 3.3184/3229 yesterday, improved against the Indonesian rupiah to 260.6/261.0 from 261.5/262.0 and strengthened versus the Philippine peso to 7.47/7.49 from 7.50/7.51. It gained against the Thai baht to 13.0784/0988 from 13.1213/1439.
