KUALA LUMPUR: One hundred and thirty Muslim Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the People’s Volunteer Corp (RELA) are expected to become the ‘eyes and ears’ of the government to safeguard Christian churches from attacks.
Among the NGOs that volunteered to come forward were Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM), Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma), Badan Tarbiah Sejagat (BATAS), Malay Cultural Organisations and Related Bodies Cooperation Network (Pewaris), Pertubuhan Peribumi Perkasa (Perkasa), National Association of Muslim Students (PKPIM), Darussyifa, Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma), Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (PUM) and Islamic Information and Services Foundation (IIS).
Through the initiative, 60 volunteers were gathered to help the authorities to monitor security at houses of worship in the klang valley with immediate effect.
PPIM executive secretary Datuk Nadzim Johan who represented the NGOs said the initiative was to help the government ensure peace and safety while the volunteers would quickly inform the Rela or the authorities if there was any suspicious activities at places of worship.
He added that the number of volunteers would be increased soon to ensure the safety of churches in every state and district while a meeting would also be held with non-Muslim NGOs to beef up security.
Nadzim said monitoring would not be restricted to churches alone but mosques and other places of worship as well.
Meanwhile, Selangor Rela director Col. Khairi Mohd Alwee said Rela was committed and ready to offer any services to monitor places of worship in the klang valley.
“We also seek the public’s cooperation in informing us if there was any suspicious activities at churches,” he said. He urged those with information to contact 019-2333086 or 019-3591000. — Bernama