BELAGA – Three churches in the Murum area have received financial assistance under the 2025 Phase 3 Unit for Other Religious Affairs (UNIFOR) Fund, reflecting the Sarawak Government’s continued commitment to supporting houses of worship across the state.
The recipients were the BEM Long Kajang Church, Sungai Linau (RM115,600), the BEM Uma Daro Church, Apo Koyan (RM850,000), and the BEM Nanga Satik Church, Jelalong Tubau (RM90,000).
The handover ceremony was officiated by Murum State Assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon at the BEM Uma Daro Church, Uma Daro Liling Padong, Sungai Asap, on Sunday.
In his speech, Kennedy expressed gratitude to the Sarawak Government and UNIFOR for their consistent efforts in providing financial support to religious institutions, particularly in rural areas such as Murum.
He emphasised that the funds should be utilised responsibly and in accordance with approved applications to ensure safe and conducive worship facilities for the community.
He also conveyed a message from Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who oversees UNIFOR, reminding recipients that allocations must be used strictly for their intended purposes and supported by complete reporting.
Kennedy highlighted that applications for UNIFOR funding must be channelled through local elected representatives, ensuring accountability and transparency in the process.
In addition to the UNIFOR allocations, Kennedy approved a Small Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM10,000 for the BEM Uma Daro Church.
He also visited the construction site of the new BEM Uma Daro Church, which is currently under development, underscoring the importance of infrastructure improvements for worshippers in the area.
The UNIFOR initiative, established by the Sarawak Government, continues to play a vital role in strengthening interfaith harmony and supporting non-Islamic religious institutions across the state.
Since its inception, the programme has channelled millions of ringgit to churches, temples, and other houses of worship, enabling communities to maintain and upgrade facilities.
For Murum, the latest allocations are expected to significantly improve worship facilities and provide long-term benefits to congregations in Sungai Linau, Apo Koyan, and Jelalong Tubau.
