Penang Government’s Plan to Promote Unity Through ‘Streets of Harmony’
The Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, has unveiled plans to establish more ‘Streets of Harmony’ across the state to promote and strengthen unity among the people. Currently, there are four such streets on the island, with houses of worship for various religions situated nearby.
Locations of Existing ‘Streets of Harmony’
- Kapitan Keling Mosque area in George Town
- Seberang Jaya
- Bukit Mertajam
- Bayan Baru
The latest addition to the ‘Streets of Harmony’ is in Bayan Baru, which houses six houses of worship, including the Serpent Temple, Surau Al-Ubudiah, Seri Visvanather Sri Visalatchi Temple, Penang Charismatic Church, Gurdwara Sahib Bayan Baru, and Than Hsiang Temple.
Commitment to Promoting Harmony
Chow Kon Yeow emphasized the state government’s commitment to promoting harmony and allocated RM1.3 million to Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) for this purpose. Additionally, the government has developed eRibi, a database for non-Muslim houses of worship, to serve as a one-stop center connecting the state government with these communities.
The eRibi system aims to ensure a more systematic and organized management process for non-Muslim houses of worship in the state. Currently, nearly 1,500 such houses of worship have registered under eRibi.
With the establishment of more ‘Streets of Harmony’ and initiatives like eRibi, the Penang government is taking concrete steps to promote unity and understanding among the diverse religious communities in the state.
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Analysis:
The Penang government’s initiative to establish ‘Streets of Harmony’ serves as a beacon of unity and understanding among the diverse religious communities in the state. By promoting coexistence and respect through the proximity of houses of worship, this initiative fosters a sense of togetherness and acceptance.
Chow Kon Yeow’s commitment to allocating funds to the Penang Harmony Corporation demonstrates the government’s dedication to nurturing a harmonious society. The development of the eRibi database further showcases the state’s efforts to streamline management processes for non-Muslim houses of worship, ensuring efficient and organized operations.
Overall, the Penang government’s focus on promoting unity and harmony through initiatives like the ‘Streets of Harmony’ and eRibi not only enriches the cultural landscape of the state but also sets a positive example for fostering understanding and cooperation among different religious groups. This approach not only enhances social cohesion but also contributes to a more inclusive and tolerant society, benefiting residents and visitors alike.