KUALA LUMPUR — The government is looking to strengthen the management and coordination of non-Muslim houses of worship to ensure clearer procedures and avoid disputes.
The issue was discussed at a strategic meeting on Harmony and the Management of Non-Muslim Houses of Worship, co-chaired by Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli.
In a joint statement, the government said the discussions focused on improving understanding of procedures and guidelines governing the management and construction of non-Muslim places of worship.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) plays a key role in coordinating such matters at the federal level, including through its Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Fund Coordination Unit (RIBI), which manages and monitors funding allocations.
“All parties are expected to follow KPKT guidelines when approving and managing houses of worship,” the statement said.
It added that existing laws already give local authorities the power to regulate building structures and prevent the construction of unauthorised places of worship. These include the Local Government Act 1976, the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, and the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.
The government said it will continue engaging religious community leaders to address issues through dialogue and negotiation.
At the same time, it warned that matters involving religion, race and the monarchy — often referred to as the “3R” issues — must not be exploited in ways that could threaten social harmony.
“Dialogue, negotiation and mediation will remain the main approach in resolving issues among multi-religious communities,” the statement said.
Representatives from Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Sikh and Bahá’í houses of worship nationwide attended the meeting, along with officials from several agencies, including the Home Ministry, police, JAKIM, MCMC, the Registrar of Societies and PLANMalaysia. — March 7, 2026