Have annual reports on RIBI allocation, website on application status

A federal legislator has called upon the Housing and Local Government Ministry to be transparent in allocation of funds for non Muslim places of worship (RIBI) by having annual reports accessible to MPs and website that displays the application status in real time.

The federal government had allocated RM50 million for non-Muslim places of worship.

“The biggest questions are what is the real amount spent and are the entire amount used for the stated purpose?” remarked V Ganabatirau (PH-Klang) while debating the ministry’s allocation in Budget 2026 at committee stage on Nov 20.

He highlighted the that he had not received any replies despite numerous queries on the recipients in his constituency.

“Transparency is not an option. It is an obligation. The ministry should have annual reports that are accessible to all MPs. It should list out all the applications approvals and recipients according to respective areas.

“Set up a RIBI portal that displays the application status in real time. People have the right to know how the RM50 million is benefited by the multi-religious communities.”

He also highlighted the case of the only Hindu temple in Putrajaya that is in need for funds.

The Devi Sri Lalithambigai Aalayam in Precinct 5 Putrajaya was allocated land since 2006.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2013 and construction began in 2016 with an estimated cost of RM8,000,000 but the project has been abandoned since 2017 due to shortage of funds.

“The temple committee have been collecting funds and waiting for aid. Would this temple receive funds from the RM50 million in RIBI?

“If not what mechanisms are in place for critical projects like this are not continued to be isolated. I insist KPKT not only to provide the funds but also facilitate and assist in resolving technical issues, approval and overseeing the project.

“Don’t let the temple committee to continuously wait indefinitely.”