KUCHING: The Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) will remain steadfast in carrying out its responsibilities after a budget of RM110 million was allocated to the unit for 2025. 
 
According to Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the funding was approved by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg as part of his commitment to inclusive development for all sectors of society.
 
“This is yet another continuing manifestation of Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari’s social inclusivity policy,” he said at a UNIFOR Grants Disbursement Ceremony held at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here, today. 
 
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah who is also the Minister-in-charge of UNIFOR presented 41 cheques for grants totalling RM8.776 million to 20 Members of Parliament and Assemblymen as well as their representatives. 
 
This is the final disbursement of grants under UNIFOR’s allocation this year of RM110 million. 
 
Tomorrow, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah will present the remaining four cheques totalling RM800,000 to the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar for church projects in Lundu. 
 
“This will bring the total amount to RM9.576 million under this final disbursement to benefit 45 houses of worship statewide,” he said. 
 
He added for this year, a sum of RM90 million had been approved by UNIFOR to benefit the construction or rehabilitation of a total of 242 different houses of worship.
The other RM20 million, he said, were for the maintenance of 120 mission schools.
 
He also said he planned to write to Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for some funds next year. 
 
Among those present were Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, and UNIFOR Director, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau. -UKASnews