GEDONG – Two Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) churches in Gedong have received a combined allocation of RM450,000 from the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) to support the upgrading and expansion of their facilities.
The SDA Church in Kampung Kepayang was awarded RM200,000 to construct a multipurpose hall, while the SDA Church in Kampung Keniong Lama received RM250,000 for the expansion of its main building.
The contributions are intended to ensure that both churches can continue to serve the local community in a safe and comfortable environment.
Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee, who officiated at the cheque handover ceremony on Saturday, urged the churches to prioritise essential works such as roofing, structural pillars, walls, and electrical wiring.
She emphasised that timely completion and submission of progress reports would allow applications for additional funding to be considered.
“The main focus should be given to important parts such as the roof, pillars and walls, without forgetting the wiring work,” she said, adding that a complete expenditure report would be necessary to demonstrate accountability and enable further requests for support.
Rodiyah also highlighted the importance of transparency in managing the funds, stressing that proper documentation would strengthen the case for future allocations.
She reiterated that UNIFOR’s role is to ensure that non-Muslim houses of worship across Sarawak are well-maintained and able to meet the needs of their congregations.
The ceremony was also attended by Idris Ibrahim, Special Officer to the Batang Sadong MP, Serto Undol, Chairman of the Kampung Kepayang SDA Church, and Mang Manggat, Chairman of the Kampung Keniong Lama SDA Church.
The funding reflects the Sarawak Government’s ongoing commitment to religious inclusivity and community development, with UNIFOR continuing to play a central role in supporting the upkeep and improvement of non-Muslim places of worship throughout the state.
