By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 11: Recipients of the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant have been urged to fully utilise the funds for their intended purposes, such as community projects and activities, rather than placing them in fixed deposits to earn interest.
Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan emphasised that this applies to funds received under the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) as well, which are designated for the upgrading and repair of houses of worship.
“There was a case where a house of worship was approved RM800,000, but the work never started, even though they had received the funds.
“So, where did the money go? Recipients must use the grant properly and for its intended purposes, not keep it in fixed deposits, as that is not the purpose of the fund,” he said during a brief ceremony to present the MRP grants at the Ministry’s office in the Baitulmakmur Complex today.
Snowdan, who is also the Balai Ringin assemblyman, stressed the importance of transparency in managing funds allocated to associations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), clubs, and Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) to ensure proper financial management and usage of the grants provided by the Sarawak government.
“Recipients must also remember to submit a detailed report of fund usage to the Ministry,” he reminded.
To further enhance financial management, Snowdan announced a workshop for village chiefs and community leaders, scheduled for Dec 14 at the Serian Convention Centre.
The workshop is expected to attract around 1,600 participants, including secretaries and treasurers of organisations, associations, and JKKKs.
The workshop will feature talks by various agencies and departments, including the Sarawak Customs and Traditions Council, the Administrative Unit, police, the Ombudsman Unit, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Anti-Drugs Agency.
During today’s ceremony, Snowdan presented RM512,000 in grants to 35 organisations within the Balai Ringin constituency and 11 organisations outside the constituency.
Additionally, RM200,000 was allocated under Unifor for the St Leo Chapel in Gayau and St John’s Chapel in Munggu Ubah. — DayakDaily
