BETONG, May 2: After more than five years since it was proposed, construction has finally begun on Betong Buddhist Association’s RM2.25 million multipurpose hall.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu officiated at a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony for the facility which was also attended by Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu on Sunday (April 30).
In a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Gerald said funds for the project were collected through various means, including from the Sarawak government through Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) and Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants, apart from donations from corporate bodies and individuals.
“Sarawak is fortunate to have a dedicated unit (Unifor) that provides assistance to many places of worship such as churches, temples and other religious organisations.
“The establishment of Unifor reflects the concerns of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in ensuring that all citizens can practise religious freedom,” he said at a dinner gathering in conjunction with the upcoming Wesak Day celebration and the ground-breaking ceremony for the Betong Buddhist Association multipurpose hall at Panglima Rental Hall here.
Meanwhile, Dr Richard expressed his commitment to help Betong Buddhist Association secure more funds from Unifor to complete the construction of the multipurpose hall.
Highlighting the significance of Wesak Day as a manifestation of religious freedom in Sarawak, he urged people of different races and religions to appreciate this privilege and celebrate the diversity that makes Sarawak unique.
Betong Buddhist Association chairman Patrick Own Chen Chiung revealed that plans to build a multipurpose hall were made in 2018, and collection of funds for the project began since then.
When completed, the hall will feature an administrative room, a guest room, a meeting room, an air-conditioned hall with three badminton courts, and can accommodate up to 80 tables for ceremonies and other activities.
Gerald also thanked Betong Buddhist Association and other Chinese community non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Che Zhong Khor Betong Moral Uplifting Association and Betong Chung Hua Association for their charitable activities and community events involving different races.
“The people of Betong have always been united and the community must maintain this culture for generations to come,” he urged.
At the gathering, Gerald also announced an allocation of RM30,000 for Betong Buddhist Association. — DayakDaily
