MIRI: A total of RM170,000 was contributed towards preparations and charitable purposes for Irau-Paskah Long Atip 2027 during a charity dinner organised by the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Long Atip Church here on Sunday.

Of the total, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas contributed RM70,000 while Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and Telang Usan Assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau contributed RM30,000 each.

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew also contributed RM20,000 while Baram Member of Parliament Dato Anyi Ngau and Miri Mayor and Pujut Assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang contributed RM10,000 each.

In his speech, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the Sarawak Government would continue to ensure the state’s development is carried out inclusively, with attention given to the needs of all quarters of society including rural communities and religious institutions.

According to him, the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) in particular reflects the Sarawak Government’s principle of safeguarding the interests of all Sarawakians irrespective of their religious backgrounds.

“The Sarawak Government continues to provide annual allocations to UNIFOR. This year, RM120 million has been allocated, comprising RM90 million for houses of worship and RM30 million for mission schools,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Deputy Premier also stressed the importance of governance, integrity and transparency in managing government allocations to ensure assistance is used for its approved purposes and benefits the people.

On development, he said the Sarawak Government also prioritises the construction and upgrading of infrastructure, including roads and bridges to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.

The dinner, attended by about 850 guests, also featured Kayan cultural performances as well as a charity fundraiser to support preparations for Irau-Paskah Long Atip 2027.

Also present was UNIFOR Director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau. -UKASnews