By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 21: The soaring 21.15-metre electronic Bell Tower of St Mark Church in Batu Kawa is more than just a structural achievement — it is a symbol of harmony, shared faith, and the unifying spirit of Sarawak’s diverse communities, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Officiating the bell tower, Dr Sim described the event as a heartfelt celebration of unity, where the chime of bells now echoes the collective hopes, prayers, and memories of the Bidayuh, Dayak, Orang Ulu, Chinese, and many other communities who call Batu Kawa home.
“This is not just a blessing of a bell tower — it is the blessing of a community that rises together in prayer, in joy, and in mourning. The chimes become a shared song, binding us across cultures and generations,” he said in a post shared on his social media today.
The bell tower was blessed by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Dato Simon Poh, who led a solemn and meaningful ceremony to mark the occasion. His presence underscored the spiritual significance of the structure as a beacon of faith and unity for the local Catholic community.
Constructed at a cost of RM684,000 — including RM300,000 from the Sarawak government through its Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) — the electronic bell tower stands as a beacon of interfaith support and collaborative spirit.
Dr Sim extended his heartfelt gratitude to all individuals and groups who contributed generously to the project, calling their support a reflection of Sarawak’s unique brand of unity in diversity.
He also took the opportunity to tour the nearly completed Phase 1 extension of St Mark Church, which is now 98 per cent done.
“Started in 1999, the expansion aims to meet the growing needs of the vibrant Catholic community in Batu Kawa, spurred by the area’s rapid development since 2016.
“The extension of the church mirrors the growth of our people and our faith. As Batu Kawah continues to develop, so too must our spaces for worship, reflection, and togetherness,” he added.
The event was attended by church leaders, community representatives, and local parishioners, all of whom came together to witness a historic milestone for St Mark Church and the Batu Kawa constituency. — DayakDaily
