KUCHING: An additional RM12 million is needed to complete the construction of Saint Peter’s Church in Padungan.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, said the overall cost of the project is RM38 million.

According to him, a contribution of RM1 million was made by the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to aid in building the church.

“To date, public contributions, including from UNIFOR, total about RM26 million.

“We still need RM12 million more,” he said.

He said this at the UNIFOR Sarawak cheque presentation ceremony to Saint Peter’s Church, Padungan, on Monday.

Furthermore, he believes that with joint assistance, the construction can proceed swiftly, making the church not only a place of worship but also a unique attraction for tourists.

The church is expected to be fully completed by 15 November, with the Christmas Midnight Mass planned as its first event.

The official opening will take place on 29 June next year.

Also present were UNIFOR Director, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kuching, Dato Simon Peter Poh Hoon Seng, and Father Vincent Chin. -UKASnews