Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied): Sir, in Malay.
(In Malay): Sir, I would like to ask a few questions to get some clarification and also give suggestions on these two matters, firstly, the Mosque Building and MENDAKI Fund (MBMF), and secondly, M3.
Sir, the Mosque Building Fund (MBF) was initially set up to finance the cost of building new mosques during the period when Singapore was undergoing development and urbanisation. The MBF then became the MBMF in 1984, after the establishment of MENDAKI Foundation, and the use of this fund was further expanded to include efforts and initiatives for community development. In 2009, this fund was also extended for the use of upgrading and revitalising mosques. Sir. the information I share is available on MUIS’ website.
I would like to ask Minister about the use of the MBMF to fund the development of mosques. What is the allocation of funds from MBMF, in terms of percentage, against the actual cost, firstly, for the construction of new mosques like the Yusof Ishak Mosque; secondly for rebuilding mosques, like the Al-Ansar mosque; and thirdly, for mosques that undergo upgrading and repair works, like the one that Alkaff Kampung Melayu mosque is undergoing.
Sir, regarding the M3 network that was established in 2018, I would like to know whether the Minister will produce its Progress Report. If this report will be produced, when will it be done? May I suggest that this progress report be released once every five years. A complete and detailed progress report will enable, firstly, the community to have a deeper knowledge and understanding about the development and effectiveness of the programmes and initiatives that have been carried out, and secondly, so that the community can also know about the progress of M3‘s efforts in achieving the mission and vision that has been outlined for the Singapore Muslim community.
The Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M): It has been about five years since M3 was set up. Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Dr Syed Harun and Mr Faisal Manap asked about the progress and outcomes of M3. Through a more culturally nuanced approach that complements national efforts, we have been able to provide impactful programmes in the community. For example, through the Bersamamu programme, more than 26,000 couples have been supported by the Kadi and Naib Kadi or Muslim solemnisers to build stronger marriages. To Dr Syed Harun’s query, the number of new Malay drug abusers arrested has fallen from 513 in 2013, to 351 in 2023. The two-year recidivism rate for Malay offenders has also improved over the past decade from 34.7% for the 2011 release cohort, to 26% for the 2021 release cohort. The improvements have been made possible through complementary efforts by the Government and M3 community programmes like FITRAH to preventing re-offending.
While it has been five years of M3, it would be too early to celebrate its success even as there are early and good indicators of it. We are continuing to review the impact of our programmes and will provide updates in due course.
Mr Faisal Manap asked about the MBMF. The MBMF provides for the development of all mosques including building upgrading and maintenance, where the allocation of funds are subject to each mosque’s specific needs. For all new mosques, all land and building cost are funded by the MBMF. The MBMF also supports up to 75% of the approved cost for mosque upgrading.
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
6 March 2024
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-2391
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 