TARAT: Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, who is also the Tarat Assemblyman, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new St. Paul’s Chapel in Tarat Melawi on Friday.

In his speech, Dato Sri Roland expressed that the new church is expected to bring together the local community in a spirit of unity and religious harmony.

The church, with an estimated cost of RM1.6 million, will be built on a one-acre plot with a main building measuring 160 feet in length and 60 feet in width. It is expected to accommodate up to 800 congregants, meeting the needs of the local residents.

He also announced that the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) has contributed RM400,000 to support the project, as part of the Sarawak government's ongoing commitment to the development of places of worship for all religions in the state.

Dato Sri Roland extended his gratitude to all parties involved, particularly the St. Paul’s Chapel Construction Committee, for their efforts in ensuring the project could proceed smoothly. 

He also expressed hope that the construction would be completed on schedule and bring long-term benefits to the local community.

Also present at the ceremony were the Bishop of Kuching (Sarawak & Brunei Darussalam), The Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, Archdeacon of Upper South Sarawak Archdeaconry and Vicar of St John Parish, Taee, Venerable Philip Tauk, Assistant Director of UNIFOR, Roslind Kassim, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews