MHS said a thorough evaluation mechanism should be put in place to assess requests for funding based on merit, urgency, and community impact.

It said temples that could substantiate their need for immediate funding with compelling evidence should be eligible for assistance despite the three-year ban.

In a statement, MHS said since temples are sacred spaces that require regular maintenance to accommodate the spiritual and cultural needs of devotees, unexpected situations, such as damage caused by natural disasters, should be given due consideration for funding.

MHS added that temples serving large communities face unique challenges due to their high traffic, and their upkeep is critical to maintaining their structural integrity, sanctity, and functionality while ensuring the safety and comfort of worshippers.

“We strongly advocate a case-by-case evaluation rather than an outright three-year ban. This would ensure that temples with genuine needs are not excluded from receiving assistance simply due to a previous allocation,” said MHS.

“As a nation that values inclusivity and religious harmony, it is imperative that policies governing places of worship reflect fairness, compassion, and practicality.”

The amendments to the ministry’s guidelines were revealed by deputy housing and local government minister Aiman Athirah Sabu in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

According to Aiman, as of Sept 30, the ministry had approved 422 out of 1,074 applications from non-Muslim houses of worship, totalling RM46.1 million in allocations.