RM34.87 Million Phase 1 UNIFOR Fund Disbursed, Supports Implementation Of 148 House Of Worship Projects
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) channeled the first phase of funds for houses of worship of other religions amounting to RM34.87 million this year to support the implementation of 148 projects throughout the state.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the distribution of funds was part of the RM90 million provided by the Sarawak Government for the development of houses of worship for other religions this year.
He said the remaining RM55.12 million would be channeled through Phase 2 this year, amounting to RM90 million for the total allocation of implementation of approved projects.
"For Phase 1 of 2026, a total of RM34.87 million has been approved, benefiting 148 projects. The remaining RM55.12 million will be fully channeled through Phase 2 this year," he said.
He said this while speaking at the Cheque Handover Ceremony for Houses of Worship for Other Religions Fund 2026 (Phase 1) at the UNIFOR Complex, here, on Tuesday.
According to Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, the provision reflects the policy of the Sarawak Government to ensure that support for the development of houses of worship is provided to all communities regardless of background.
He said that until 2026, the total allocation prepared for this purpose will reach RM565 million, reflecting continuity in the government’s policy in supporting houses of worship of other religions.
"Our policy is to ensure that no one is left behind. We share this aspiration with the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg who continuously provides support, including through the allocation provided every year for that purpose," he said.
In the meantime, he reminded all parties receiving UNIFOR's assistance to ensure that each project is implemented with full integrity, transparency and accountability.
According to him, UNIFOR together with the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) would conduct site visits to ensure the allocations channeled were used for the designated purpose and ensure the project is implemented accordingly.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also called on all recipients and area representatives to play a role in ensuring that the aid channeled truly reaches the community and benefits the people.
He said that the cooperation of all parties is important to ensure that the policy continues to contribute to the strengthening of religious unity and harmony in Sarawak.
In a related development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the Sarawak Government also provided RM30 million to assist missionary schools improve student achievement, particularly in Science and Mathematics subjects.
According to him, contributions to missionary schools currently also focus on aspects of soft skills and student motivation, in addition to infrastructure support, in helping students take advantage of the higher education opportunities provided by the Sarawak Government.
He said this initiative is in line with Sarawak's implementation of free tertiary education for students who meet the admission requirements to local universities.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, UNIFOR Director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau and other dignitaries. -UKASnews
