KUCHING: The Sarawak Government through the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) has disbursed RM35.77 million in funds to 107 multi-religious houses of worship projects throughout the state under the Second Phase of the Funds Assistance For Houses of Worships of Other Religions 2025.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the disbursement of funds was part of the overall allocation of RM90 million provided by the Sarawak Government for this year as proof of the state government's continued commitment in ensuring inclusive and comprehensive development.

“To date, RM35.77 million out of the RM90 million in funds has been channeled involving 171 projects under Phase 1 and Phase 2. The remaining allocation will be handed over in November," he said during the Presentation Ceremony of Cheques for Second Phase of the Funds Assistance For Houses of Worships of Other Religions 2025 at the Main Hall of the UNIFOR Complex, here on Tuesday.

He added that the state government, through UNIFOR, is now strengthening the monitoring mechanism to ensure that each fund is used prudently and in accordance with the set guidelines.
"We found that there are still 220 houses of worship that have not submitted expenditure reports.

"Our target is to reduce this figure to zero by December 2025," he said.

Meanwhile, he stressed that monitoring is now being carried out directly by UNIFOR, to ensure that each project meets the original objective of the assistance.

At the same time, he advised that the management of houses of worship make applications based on actual needs.

He informed that the state government has also channeled RM20 million for the upgrading of missionary schools throughout Sarawak, in line with the government's efforts to strengthen religious and community education infrastructure.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of cheques to 14 elected representatives and recipients representing houses of worship of various religions from across the state.

Also present were the Deputy Sarawak Premier, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Director of UNIFOR, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau and other guests.- UKASnews