KUCHING, July 1: A Chinese temple, two chapels and a church, were among the recipients of RM8.5 million in grants distributed by the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) under the Chief Minister’s Office.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who is also minister-in-charge of Unifor, handed over the grants at his office, recently.
Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni received a cheque worth RM1.5 million grant for the construction of the Mazu Temple here on behalf of the Kuching Hokkien Association.
Tellian assemblyman Yussibnosh Balo, who represented the St Anthony’s Chapel committee in Mukah Kampung Tellian, received a grant of RM2 million for its construction, while a member of the Senate, Senator Datuk Paul Igai, who represented Bintulu Member of Parliament Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, received a cheque for RM2 million for the construction of a road leading to the Kuala Setiam Christian cemetery in Bintulu.
At the same time, St Barnabas Church in Taman Tunku, Miri was allocated a sum of RM2 million for its construction fund. Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat who was represented by an aide, Sahrein Maloh, received a cheque for the grant on behalf of the church. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the allocation to the committee during an earlier working visit to Miri.
Unifor also allocated a RM1 million grant to the New Holy Spirit Chapel in Permyjaya, Miri. Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Sin, who was represented by his private secretary Law Seng Hoon, receiving the cheque on behald of the chapel.
Meanwhile, Uggah in a brief speech before the presentation said the second distribution soon would involve grants totaling RM17 million.
He also called on all elected representatives to continue to advise their constituents to closely observe standard operating procedures (SOPs) to protect themselves against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Always be on the ground to check on their welfare and well-being, and most importantly, get them vaccinated as well,” he said.
Uggah, who is also the chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) added people in the State were very fortunate as the State government was not only very proactive but deeply committed in fighting the pandemic and in rolling out its vaccination programme.
Also present were Unifor director Richard Lon and president of the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Association Dato Richard Wee. — DayakDaily
