GEORGE TOWN, May 20 -- The Penang state government needs to establish a clear policy regarding the construction or renovation of non-Islamic places of worship in the state, said state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim.

The social, welfare, and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman said such a policy would make it mandatory for places of worship (RIBI) to apply for planning permission and building plan approvals through the state's One-Stop Centre.

"This is to ensure that the building design, structure, and location adhere to the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and the approved land use plan," she said in response to a question by Amir Hamzah Abdul Hashim (PAS-Permatang Pasir).

As of May, Penang has a total of 136 illegal RIBI, with 1...