By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 24: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) will utilise the RM110 million fund to continue building and upgrading more houses of worship, and maintaining not less than 20 mission schools in Sarawak next year.
In stating this, Deputy Premier and Minister-in-Charge of UNIFOR, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, thanked the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving the allocation to benefit the non-Islamic faith congregations.
“Indeed, this huge allocation is the heavenly manna that will once again support UNIFOR in its task to help build, rehabilitate and beautify more houses of worship and at the same time maintain not less than 20 mission schools Statewide.
“Certainly, this is a much welcome Christmas gift to the Christians and a most anticipated New Year cheer to all the rest,” he said in his Christmas message today.
In 2024, UNIFOR received a similar allocation, aiding 242 houses of worship at the cost of RM90 million, with an additional RM20 million directed to mission schools.
The increased funding for 2025 underscores the Sarawak government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the State’s religious and educational institutions.
“This is a continuing act of great magnanimity from a leader for us all to savour. To all those religious organisations given these aids, please use them at once for the purpose intended. We want your congregations to worship in comfort,” he added.
In light of the holiday season, Uggah called on Sarawakians to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening their unity and harmony despite racial diversity and different beliefs.
He encouraged Sarawakians to visit their Christian friends’ open houses to foster goodwill and stability while reflecting on the blessings of the past year. — DayakDaily
