KUCHING: The Sarawak Government through the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) has disbursed annual financial grants to four mission schools, totalling RM471,531 for 2026.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian witnessed the handover of cheques, presented by UNIFOR Deputy Director Caroline Chen Tze Yian to representatives of the four schools.
SK St Mary received RM129,575, SMK St Mary was allocated RM111,000, while SK St Thomas received RM150,000 and SMK St Thomas received RM80,956.
From 2021 to 2025, the four schools had collectively received another RM4,926,506 in financial assistance from the Sarawak Government, benefitting the schools with a combined enrolment of 2,280 students as well as 236 teachers and staff.
According to Datuk Amar Dr Sim, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg recognised the crucial role of mission schools in providing quality education and contributing to the state’s development.
In this regard, he introduced annual financial assistance for mission schools in 2021, initially allocating RM20 million annually.
“In recent years, the allocation has been increased to RM30 million per year to help the school board for the infrastructure development and upgrading (CAPEX).
“This is in addition to the RM90 million annual allocation through UNIFOR for infrastructure assistance to churches, temples and other non-Islamic houses of worship.
“Together, the Sarawak Government provides RM110 million annually through UNIFOR to support mission schools and religious institutions,” he said.
Datuk Amar Dr Sim further expressed his appreciation to the school boards, principals, headmasters, teachers and staff for their continued dedication and contributions to education and Sarawak's nation-building efforts.
"Thank you for playing your role and doing your part in Sarawak’s nation-building. Our mission schools are important partners in educating the next generation and building a better future for Sarawak,” he said.
He reiterated that the Sarawak Government remains committed to supporting education and ensuring students from all communities have access to a conducive learning environment. -UKASnews
