By DayakDaily Team
LIMBANG, June 11: The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM565 million through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to support the development and upkeep of houses of worship and missionary schools across the State.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that of the total, RM475 million was channelled to non-Islamic houses of worship, including Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, Baha’i, Sikh, and Hindu faiths, since the establishment of Unifor in 2017.
“This support includes funding for new constructions, renovations, repairs, maintenance, and the purchase of equipment and religious items,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Thanksgiving Ceremony of Other Religions held in conjunction with the 2025 Sarawak-level Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Official Birthday celebration today.
He added that another RM90 million has been disbursed to missionary schools across Sarawak since 2021.
“These financial grants reflect the Sarawak government’s unwavering dedication to promoting social inclusivity while ensuring that religious buildings and mission schools are safe and comfortable for use,” he said.
To enhance transparency and effectiveness in the disbursement of funds, Abang Johari revealed that since this year, Unifor has collaborated with quantity surveyors from the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak to strengthen technical evaluations of grant applications.
“This initiative ensures that all applications are assessed thoroughly, with proposed budgets aligned to the actual scope and needs of each project,” he added.
The establishment of the Unifor under the Sarawak Premier’s Department in 2017 is a clear reflection of the Sarawak government’s commitment in ensuring social inclusivity, unity, and the well-being of all Sarawakians, irrespective of race or religion.
Also present were Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development who is also the minister-in-charge of the celebration, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister for Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong, Batu Danau assemblyman, Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
