By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 12: The construction of the 10-storey Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Complex costing RM63.6 million sited at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here is rapidly taking shape, running three per cent ahead of schedule with the contractor targeting completion before Gawai of 2024.
Deputy Premier and Unifor chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, revealing that as of April 2023, construction had reached 22.63 per cent completion, slightly surpassing the scheduled 22.34 per cent.
“The construction undertaken by Hong Seng Construction (East Malaysia) Sdn Bhd commenced in July 2022, with completion scheduled in July 2024.
“With the favourable weather conditions, I am confident that further progress could be achieved in the coming months,” he told a press conference after a briefing on the project, followed by an inspection visit to the site at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here today.
Situated on a spacious three-acre land, the Unifor Complex will be a landmark facility, offering a harmonious space where religious communities can unite, celebrate their faith, and engage in various income-generating activities.
A key feature of the complex will be a conference hall capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people.
“Apart from the Unifor headquarters, we are also discussing with other non-Islamic religious groups to see if they need a space in this building because we are all the owners.
“In addition, we hope there will be income-generating activities here. We will see what services can be provided through this facility,” he elaborated.
With RM80 million approved by the Sarawak government for the project, Uggah expressed confidence that there would be sufficient funds to complete the project according to specifications.
The forthcoming Unifor Complex, he added, stands as a testament to the inclusive policy embraced by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under the leadership of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, especially to support and ensure the interests and welfare of all religions in Sarawak are well taken care of.
Unifor Charitable Trust, established by the Sarawak government, acts as the owner and manager of the Complex. The trust is responsible for raising and managing funds and overseeing the property’s operation and maintenance.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang, Unifor director Jack Aman Luat, Unifor Charitable Trust board member Yussibnosh Balo and Hong Seng Construction (EM) Sdn Bhd managing director who is also Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) president Datuk Tan Jit Kee were among those present. — DayakDaily
