KUCHING – The Sarawak government has announced an additional RM10 million allocation to the Other Religions Affairs Unit (UNIFOR) for 2026, raising the total funds to RM120 million.
The announcement was made by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg during the UNIFOR 2025 Appreciation Ceremony held in Kuching on Sunday evening.
He explained that the extra funding would support the construction and upgrading of houses of worship, missionary schools, and educational facilities for the younger generation.
Abang Johari shared that the decision came following a suggestion from Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who proposed increasing the allocation given the state’s financial capacity.
“Since we have the financial allocation, can we increase the funds for the year 2026? So, I said yes, we add another RM10 million,” he recounted.
Established in 2017, UNIFOR has consistently received annual allocations to finance religious infrastructure across Sarawak.
The Premier emphasised that the initiative reflects the GPS-led government’s commitment to inclusivity and interfaith harmony, ensuring that support for religious communities goes beyond rhetoric and is translated into tangible programmes.
“UNIFOR is the only permanent agency of its kind in Malaysia that reflects the GPS Government’s deep commitment to inclusivity, justice and mutual respect,” he said, underscoring the uniqueness of the agency in promoting religious diversity and unity.
The appreciation ceremony also highlighted UNIFOR’s role in strengthening community ties through equitable support for different faiths.
The agency has been instrumental in funding repairs, new constructions, and community-based projects that benefit Sarawak’s multicultural society.
Present at the event were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof. Dr Sim Kui Hian, alongside Deputy Cabinet Ministers, UNIFOR Director Datu Georgina Apphia Ngau, and other dignitaries. Their attendance reinforced the government’s collective support for UNIFOR’s mission.
Observers note that the increased allocation is expected to further enhance Sarawak’s reputation as a state that values religious inclusivity.
By strengthening facilities for worship and education, the government aims to foster unity and ensure that future generations benefit from improved infrastructure and opportunities.
The RM120 million allocation for 2026 marks another milestone in Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to balance development with cultural and religious diversity, positioning UNIFOR as a cornerstone of the state’s inclusive governance model.
