Proof of land ownership poses challenge for KL places of worship
A new ruling requires committees of places of worship in Kuala Lumpur to prove that they own the land or premises when applying for allocations under the Prime Minister’s Office.

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said the move by the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) was a drawback for religious houses as many operators of such places were not owners of the land or premises.

“Previously, applications for the allocation only needed a supporting letter from my office.

“However, ICU now requires these applicants to prove that they own the land or produce proof that they have the permit to operate the premises, on top of being a legally registered body.

“Without that, ICU will not approve the funds,” Lim told reporters during a press conference held at a park at Jalan Chiak Padang, Kepong Baru in Kuala Lumpur.

Lim said this was a problem for most places of worship as they were renting the land they occupied.

“I will discuss this matter with other Kuala Lumpur MPs to come up with a solution to address the matter,” he said.

Lim added that each constituency was allocated RM1mil to be channelled to non-governmental organisations, schools and places of worship.

On a separate matter, he said Kepong Baru residents would now get to enjoy a new basketball and volleyball courts in the park at Jalan Chiak Padang.

“I submitted an application to ICU and was given RM200,000 under the Projek Mesra Rakyat initiative to revamp the park.

“Both courts have new flooring. The park also has new fencing, two gym sets and solar panels for its lamps.

“The upgrading work started in January and was completed last month,” said Lim.

He also urged residents to report to his service centre if they come across trees in danger of falling in Kepong.

“Following the tragic incident of a tree falling along Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur, I would like Kepong residents to alert my office about huge trees that are at risk of falling in a downpour,” he said.

“There have been cases of trees falling and damaging cars in Kepong, so we hope to prevent that from happening.”

Lim’s assistant Dic Lai said volleyball court was the only one in Kepong.

“Those who wish to organise a volleyball competition can also contact our service centre at 03-6242 8606.

“Our office is also in the midst of upgrading vacant and unused areas in Kepong into pocket parks,” said Lai.
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A new ruling requires committees of places of worship in Kuala Lumpur to prove that they own the land or premises when applying for allocations under the Prime Minister’s Office