By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 14: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) is set to hold a meeting with religious leaders to discuss the need to increase safety and security at houses of worship.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report today, UNIFOR director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau said this followed a commotion that happened on March 8 at St Joseph’s Cathedral here, as well as a fire incident that occurred on February 4.
“We will organise a meeting with religious leaders to discuss the safety and security measures and ensure the safety of congregations as well as the assets (of the houses of worship).
“We will also invite members of other houses of worship to share best practices on security features for religious premises,” she said when met at St Joseph’s Cathedral here today.
Earlier, Georgina visited the cathedral to assess and understand the situation following the recent incidents.
To improve security at houses of worship, she encouraged religious institutions to heighten the safety and security in houses of worship.
“For instance, some have requested fencing, and we will provide assistance if reasonable.
“The aim is to fulfil security needs so that congregations can carry out their religious practices in a safe and comfortable environment,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Dato, Dr Simon Poh, expressed his appreciation to UNIFOR for visiting St Joseph Cathedral.
Additionally, Poh led a special prayer session with UNIFOR, praying for Sarawak’s harmony and well-being, as well as for its leaders.
On March 8, a man who was believed to be struggling with mental health issues caused a commotion at the cathedral during its Sunset Mass, and on February 4, a fire broke out on the rooftop of the cathedral, which was caused by an electrical short circuit. — DayakDaily
