Yuneswaran holds strategic meeting on non-Islamic places of worship to strengthen national harmony
Putrajaya: A Strategic Meeting on Harmony and Governance Related to Non-Islamic Places of Worship Issues was held today, co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of National Unity and the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
This meeting was convened to collectively and constructively discuss governance aspects involving non-Islamic places of worship issues. The discussion also focused on management, coordination, and the best approaches in addressing arising issues in line with the existing administrative framework.
The discussion also touched on the need to strengthen understanding of procedures and guidelines in the management and construction of places of worship. At the Federal level, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) plays an important role in coordinating affairs related to non-Islamic places of worship, including through the Non-Islamic Places of Worship Fund Coordination Unit (RIBI), which monitors and coordinates the disbursement of related funds.
In this regard, all parties should comply with the guidelines issued by KPKT regarding the verification and management of places of worship sites. This is based on existing legal provisions including the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), the Streets, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), and the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), which empower Local Authorities (PBT) to regulate building structures, cleanliness aspects, and to ensure that no places of worship are constructed without permission within their respective administrative areas.
The Government will continue to provide dialogue platforms with religious community representatives to ensure that any issues can be addressed through consultation, mutual understanding, and the spirit of unity. At the same time, the Government emphasises that any party that plays up or exploits issues related to religion, race, and the royal institution (the 3Rs) to the extent of disrupting social harmony will not be tolerated, and appropriate action may be taken by the authorities in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Dialogue, negotiation, and mediation will continue to be the primary methods in managing any issues involving multi-religious communities, so that every matter can be handled wisely without affecting social harmony and unity.
This meeting was also attended by chairpersons and representatives of places of worship from various religions across the country, including the Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Sikh, and Bahá’Ă communities. Also present were representatives from several government agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM), the Registrar of Societies Malaysia (ROS), PLANMalaysia, and other related agencies.
