THE government has allocated RM50 million for registered non-Islamic houses of worship, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, in tabling Budget 2024 at the Dewan Rakyat today, said the aid was for repairs and maintenance of those houses of worship.

He said the government would give RM50 million to agencies with the potential to showcase national works of art and literature, strengthen heritage theatre performances and inculcate youth interest in reading masterpieces.

“The government will also provide RM10 million for collaboration with state governments, including to intensify Sabah and Sarawak cultural activities; preserve the language of minorities, such as the Siamese ethnic group; and establish a Perak ethnic and cultural centre,” he said.

To boost the local handicraft market, Anwar said for entrepreneurs registered with the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, the government would provide special procurements up to RM20,000 on every order.

The prime minister also announced a RM20 million allocation to empower the role of Rukun Tetangga Area as a social authority that provides public services and disseminates information, in addition to RM20 million under the Madani Organisation Grant for locals to implement programmes related to volunteerism, unity and crime prevention. – Bernama, October 13, 2023.