THE Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with RHB Islamic Bank Bhd for Rumah Ibadat Hijau Programme (Masjid Hijau) and Growth Initiative Support.

The MoU emphasises green incentives and certification, advisory services and capacity building, and green investment and financing, as well as campaign promotion.

Mosques and other houses of worship have been chosen to be an efficient model for the Rumah Ibadat Hijau initiative, which was expanded from the Masjid Hijau programme on Sept 25.

Environment and Water (KASA) Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said it aims to preserve the environment sustainability at the community level.

“This can be done through the practice of energy saving, water consumption, proper generation management and waste management, and the purchase and use of green technology products,” he said at the event in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said all parties should emphasise the sustainable environment agenda and that strategic cooperation like this should be further implemented.

“I urge all sectors, regardless of public or private, to plan and emulate programmes that provide positive value to the local community and the environment,” he added.

After the pilot project, all agencies and departments under KASA have selected 12 houses of worship for the initial implementation of the Rumah Ibadat Hijau Programme.

KASA targets to implement the programme in 100 places of worship in 2021, which indicates that the project of cultivating and socialising the green lifestyle among the community is serious and must be done more systematically, said Tuan Ibrahim.

The programme encourages communities to be actively involved by participating in campaigns, changing sustainable lifestyle practices and contributing to Wakaf Masjid Hijau or giving donations to Rumah Ibadat Hijau.

Additionally, in preliminary discussions with MGTC, KASA’s agency and selected religious centres are being conducted depending on the suitability of the current situation.

Source : The Malaysian Reserve