KUCHING, Jan 10: The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) is setting up a charitable trust to support the socio-economic wellbeing and welfare of non-islamic bodies and their members in Sarawak.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said in this regard, Unifor can replicate Majlis Islam Sarawak or Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak.
“When passed (approved) later on we will be able to raise funds and hope to be able to finance your (non-Islamic members’) socio-economic activities and welfare because now even when our state is developing there are still those in need,” he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from members of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Committee at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here this morning.
He said out of the 2.7 million population in Sarawak, about 75 per cent are non-Islamic, and together with the huge land mass of the state, there is a need for Unifor to expand over time to cater for the needs of non-Islamic Sarawakians.
“The function of Unifor will expand over time because we can replicate what Majlis Islam Sarawak or Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak can do.
“Sarawak is vast, and non-Islamic population is 75 per cent,” said Uggah.
After the press conference, Uggah handed over RM2.3 million to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Committee for the construction of its multipurpose hall, new temple building and road access to the temple in Batu Lintang.
The allocation was approved and announced by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the temple’s charity dinner on July 4, 2018. — DayakDaily
