By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 4: A total of RM1 million has been approved under the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Phase 1 allocation for 2026 for St Basil Church Batu Kawa.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the funding underscores the Sarawak government’s ongoing commitment through Unifor to support the development of non-Muslim places of worship across the State.
He emphasised that the allocation should be utilised responsibly and strictly for its intended purpose, noting that Unifor will closely monitor both the use of the funds and the implementation of the project to ensure it proceeds according to plan.
“From 2017 to 2026, the Sarawak government has allocated RM565 million to UNIFOR to support 2,640 places of worship projects throughout Sarawak,” he said in a post shared on his social media.
Uggah made the remarks during the dinner reception held in conjunction with the 20th anniversary celebration of St Basil Church Batu Kawa at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here on Friday (July 3).
Uggah reiterated that Sarawak remains the only region in Malaysia with a dedicated unit such as Unifor to support non-Muslim communities, describing the initiative as a testament to the State’s commitment to religious harmony, inclusivity and unity in diversity.
“St. Basil Church Batu Kawa had previously received RM2.45 million in assistance from the Sarawak government, comprising RM400,000 in 2017, RM1 million in 2020, RM50,000 in 2021, and RM1 million in 2024,” he disclosed.
Uggah also commended the church for its continued role in fostering goodwill and harmony among Sarawak’s diverse communities, while contributing to social development through educational, welfare and youth-focused programmes.
As a further show of support, he announced an additional RM50,000 contribution to the St Basil Church Batu Kawa Parish Community to assist its ongoing efforts in strengthening community development, unity and social well-being.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Vicar of St Basil Church Batu Kawa The Venerable Joseph Dusit Ijau, and Temenggong of the Iban community in Kuching Division Temenggong Nelson Kloni Kanang. — DayakDaily
