Fri, Jul 18 06:49 PM
Kuala Lumpur, July 18 (PTI) The Malaysian government will consider new applications from Hindu temples and gurudwaras for priests, musicians and artisans from foreign countries, from next month. Temples and gurudwaras in the country heavily rely on priests and musicians from India.
However, the Malaysian government had cut down on issuing visas to them in recent months. Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam said visas and permits for these foreigners would be valid for a maximum period of three years and based on strict guidelines.
"Initially, 150 temples and Sikh gurudwaras throughout the country will be involved in the exercise. The government will study the needs and requirements of other temples and gurudwaras from time to time," local media said today quoting a statement from the minister.
The government felt that youth in the country should be trained in these fields to reduce dependency on foreigners. However, sources said because of the low pay scale very few local youths were attracted to the field.
The minister also said more natives would be trained to reduce dependency on foreigners. In May, Hindu Endowment Board chief A Thanashekaran had said the government had refused to approve the extension of permits and rejected new applications for foreign priests and temple musicians from India, causing existing visas to be extended on a month-to-month basis at 50 ringgit (Rs 60) a month.
PTI.
