Segamat: Allocations totaling RM115,000 under the Sekijang parliamentary constituency Mesra Rakyat Project have been sanctioned to address safety and facility concerns at two non-Muslim houses of worship and a surau in Segamat.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sekijang Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced that the allocations are designated for Wesley Methodist Church, Hua Kwong Kong Temple, and Surau Al-Abidin in Kampung Tengah. This initiative aims to ensure that the public, irrespective of race and religion, can engage in their religious activities comfortably and safely.

The Wesley Methodist Church was allocated RM50,000 to construct a 152.4-metre (500 feet)-long BRC fence around its grounds following reports of encroachment by wild animals from nearby river and farm areas. Since the installation of the fence, no further intrusions have occurred.

Similarly, Hua Kwong Kong Temple received RM50,000 to resurface the uneven and damaged roads within its vicinity, which posed challenges for worshippers, particularly the elderly. Following the completion of the concrete resurfacing, the temple management reported an end to complaints from devotees.

Dr Zaliha, formerly the Health Minister, highlighted that Surau Al-Abidin in Kampung Tengah was granted RM15,000 to repaint its interior and exterior, which had suffered damage due to floods. She emphasized the surau’s role as the center of worship for the local community, especially for Friday prayers.

Expressing satisfaction with the improvements, Dr Zaliha remarked, “Alhamdulillah, the surau now has a new facade and provides comfort for the congregation to worship. This is how we do it in Sekijang. We listen to the people’s problems, evaluate them, and solve them. This allocation is not my money, but the people’s money. I’m only a trustee.”