By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 12: A total of 86 cheques totaling RM29.17 million from the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) have been distributed today to 42 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Sarawak state assemblymen (ADUNs) as part of the second phase approval for various religious projects in their respective constituencies.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the minister in charge of Unifor, officiated today’s ‘Cheque Presentation for Houses of Worship 2024 (Phase 2)’ ceremony at the Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.
“As a continuation, RM40.87 million (45 per cent) has been approved under Phase 2 this year benefiting 91 houses of worship all over Sarawak,” Uggah said.
He also stated that during the first phase distribution, which took place at the beginning of this year, a total of RM14.335 million out of RM90 million (16 per cent) was distributed to 32 houses of worship of various religious and denominational backgrounds.
“Applications for the remaining balance of RM34.795 million (3 per cent) from this year’s allocation are being finalised and assistance will be disbursed soon under the next phase(s),” the minister added.
Furthermore, Uggah highlighted that the Sarawak government has increased this year’s allocation for physical development of houses of worship from RM80 million in 2023 to RM90 million this year.
Meanwhile, another RM20 million is set aside for the maintenance and development of missionary schools.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and Unifor director Datuk Jack Aman Luat. — DayakDaily
