LIMBANG: The establishment of the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) under the Sarawak Premier's Department in 2017 is a clear reflection of the Sarawak Government’s commitment in ensuring social inclusivity, unity, and the well-being of all Sarawakians, irrespective of race or religion.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said UNIFOR has channelled a total of RM475 million in aid to houses of worship across Sarawak, including Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, Baha’i, Sikh, and Hindu houses of worship, based on the principle of social inclusivity.

He said this includes funds for projects involving new constructions, repairs, renovations and maintenance, as well as the procurement of equipment and religious items for the respective houses of worship.

“Additionally, UNIFOR has disbursed RM90 million in funding to missionary schools across Sarawak since 2021. This means that a total of RM565 million has been allocated to UNIFOR by the Sarawak Government.

“These financial grants to the houses of worship and missionary schools reflect the Sarawak Government’s unwavering dedication to promote social inclusivity, while also ensuring that their buildings remain safe and comfortable for use,” he said.

He said this in his text of speech read by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the Thanksgiving Ceremony of Other Religions in conjunction with the 2025 Sarawak-Level Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Official Birthday Celebration, here on Wednesday.

Also present were Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development who is also the Minister-In-Charge of the celebration, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Member of Parliament for Lawas, Dato Henry Sum Agong, Batu Danau Assemblyman, Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, Sarawak Police Commissioner, Dato Mancha Ata, UNIFOR Director, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, and other guests.

The Sarawak Premier added that since this year, UNIFOR has partnered with quantity surveyors from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to strengthen the unit’s technical expertise in evaluating grant applications.

He said this focuses on verifying the requested grant amounts against the proposed project scopes.

“This initiative ensures that all grant applications are transparent, reasonable, and aligned with the actual needs of the houses of worship,” he pointed out. -UKASnews