We want to organise matters in a proper and structured way, says Nga
PUTRAJAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry will work with state governments and local authorities to manage and restore older places of worship built before modern land and planning laws came into being, said its minister Nga Kor Ming.
“There are houses of worship such as temples, shrines, churches and surau that were built before the National Land Code and the Local Government Act existed.
“At that time, the laws were not even in place,” he told reporters after the Ops Siaga Raya 2026 launch ceremony at IOI City Mall yesterday.
Nga emphasised that the ministry’s role is to coordinate orderly management, not to take harsh action.
“We are not here to demolish. We want to organise matters in a proper and structured way. We have an open-door policy.
“We also have the Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Unit, with which we assist with applications, restoration and maintenance.”
He added that the ministry allocates RM50 million annually to assist non-Muslim houses of worship, while a separate RM2.6 billion allocation is provided for mosques under federal Islamic administration.
He also said all planning applications must still be submitted and considered according to regulations.
“We must handle this issue with tawaduk (humility), with wisdom and towards peace. Unity and harmony are the two main keys to our country’s success.”
Nga also outlined preparations for Ops Siaga Raya 2026, adding that more than 15,000 Fire and Rescue Department personnel have been placed on standby.
“80% of firefighters’ leaves will be frozen, as authorities step up fire prevention ahead of Chinese New Year and Hari Raya festivities.
“The department has identified 18,000 buildings nationwide as fire-risk, prompting intensified inspections and enforcement.”
He said festive celebrations must not come at the expense of safety.
“Celebrations cannot override vigilance. When we celebrate, we must remain alert. Do not place unused items along emergency corridors and escape routes.”
Last year, the department conducted 21,429 building inspections, exceeding its target, and issued 11,260 fire safety notices.
“The notices are not meant to punish, but to educate. We give building owners the opportunity to correct weaknesses before legal action is taken.
“We want corrective action before tragedy happens, not regret after a building is engulfed in flames.”
Nga said the department would carry out 14,000 fire safety education and outreach programmes this year through platforms such as Bomba Cilik, ‘Bomba Junior Cadet’, ‘Bomba Siswa’ and other community initiatives.
He highlighted potential festive hazards, including electrical overloading, unattended cooking and unsafe fireworks use, urging parents to supervise children and ensure homes and premises are fire-safe.
He also cautioned of peat soil fires in Johor, which burn underground, spread quickly and produce hazardous smoke affecting public health and the environment.
In a related development, Malaysia has received 30 new Fire Rescue Tender vehicles worth RM60 million through a collaboration with China-based CLW Group, replacing engines nearly 30 years old.
“These fire engines will be distributed immediately to states that need them,” Nga said.
