KULAI, March 14 - The Johor State Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) has allocated RM15.4 million for mosques and suraus to 784 kariah mosques in the state.

Of that amount, RM1.568 million is for the management of mosques and suraus with a contribution of RM2,000 per mosque.

State Islamic Religious Affairs Exco, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the allocation amounted to RM10.34 million for the increase in allowances for mosque and surau officers involving 5,260 state allowance recipients.

A one-off payment of RM500 was also given to 6,970 recipients consisting of bilals, caretakers and imams totaling RM3.5 million.

This is in appreciation of the work of mosque and surau kariah officers throughout Johor.

The assistance was also extended to mosque and surau promoters for each Johor State Legislative Assembly (DUN).