The Penang government has refuted allegations that it has neglected the development of Islam by increasing allowances for religious officials in the state’s 200 mosques by 80 percent.

mansor othman and penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman said the move was to counter allegations that the state has neglected the Muslim community.

He said the increment would benefit 800 officials ( bilal and siak ) who are attached to the various mosques on the island and mainland.

Bilal are those who make the call to azan and who replace the Imam when he is absent; he is also responsible for the maintenance of the mosque’s physical environment, while siak are administrators.

“We agreed to raise their allowances by 80 percent after considering the increase in their responsibilities and work burden,” said Mansor at a press conference at the Penang legislative assembly building today.

“The last time the allowances were increased was in 2005; RM100 to RM180 for bilal , and RM120 to RM200 for siak ,” he added.

“This time we are increasing the bilal ’s allowance from RM180 to RM324 a month, while the siak ’s is increased from RM200 to RM360."

Mansor said the total expenditure for the allowances, effective June 1, would amount to RM273,600 a month for both bilal and siak .

The Penang government will bear 70 percent (RM2,298,240) and the state religious council will cover the remaining 30 percent (RM984,960).