GEORGE TOWN, Nov 17 — Flood-damaged non-Islamic places of worship (Ribi) in Penang can apply for repair funding up to RM50,000 each from the state government.

Penang executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo announced today, adding that the fund currently has a balance of RM4.84 million.

"Ribi places damaged by the floods will be given priority under the state government’s Ribi Fund,” Jagdeep who also chairs the state Ribi fund told reporters after joining in a prayer session at the Sri Ayappan Siva Semajam Temple here.

Penang was inundated by flash floods on September 15 and again on November 4 and 5.

"Ribi places affected by either or both floods may apply for the funding,” Jagdeep said.

He said the state’s RIBI fund has already disbursed a total of RM1.37 million to 22 Chinese temples, 13 Hindu temples, nine churches and three gurdwaras.

Each Ribi can apply for up to RM50,000 in funding from the fund subject to eligibility in accordance with the state’s criteria.

The Ribi fund was set up on September 9, 2015 to provide funding for renovation projects of old RIBI and construction of new Ribi.

He said the fund is available to all non-Muslim places of worship in Penang and each temple or church need only submit an application for the allocation.