KUCHING (Dec 28): The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church Batu Kawa received a generous RM200,000 grant from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) yesterday. The handover ceremony took place at the church sanctuary and was attended by Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
During the event, Datuk Lo presented the cheque to the church representatives, including the pastor, elders, committee members, and congregation. He highlighted that the grant reflected the Sarawak government’s continued support for religious harmony and the development of non-Muslim places of worship.
“The allocation will be used to fund development and improvement works at the church. This includes upgrading facilities for worship, community activities, and services for its members,” said Datuk Lo. He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all religious communities in Sarawak receive fair and equitable support. “This approach aligns with our long-standing values of unity, mutual respect, and religious freedom,” he added.
The SDA Church Batu Kawa expressed gratitude to the Sarawak government, Unifor, and Datuk Lo for the contribution. Church representatives described the grant as a vital boost for the congregation, enabling the church to enhance its services and community engagement efforts.
The simple handover ceremony reflected the strong partnership between the government and local religious communities, highlighting Sarawak’s ongoing dedication to fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse faith groups. The grant is expected to positively impact the church’s members and the wider Batu Kawa community in the months ahead.
