LIMBANG – A substantial financial grant totalling RM1,328,300 has been allocated for the development and upkeep of places of worship in the northern region of Sarawak. The funds were formally presented to thirteen separate chapels in the Batu Danau area during a ceremony held here on Thursday.
The event, orchestrated by the Other Religions Affairs Unit (UNIFOR), took place at the Seminar Room of St. Edmund’s Hall. Presiding over the cheque presentation was the Batu Danau State Assemblyman, Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang.
In his address, Dato Paulus conveyed his gratitude to the Sarawak State Government, led by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition. He highlighted UNIFOR’s consistent dedication to supporting the construction and renovation of non-Islamic houses of worship across the state.
He urged all beneficiaries to administer the allocated funds with utmost responsibility. This, he stated, would ensure that the planned development or upgrading work on their respective chapels is finalised efficiently and as scheduled.
Furthermore, the assemblyman issued a clear directive regarding financial accountability. He advised that comprehensive reports on the expenditure of the funds must be prepared promptly upon the completion of each project.
For developments that are still in progress, he mandated that interim progress reports be submitted biannually. These updates are required in the months of March and September each year.
He elaborated that maintaining transparent and regular reporting would not only demonstrate good governance but would also streamline the process for requesting further assistance in the future. This establishes a record of trustworthy fund management.
The ceremony was attended by various local religious leaders, who welcomed the financial support. Reverend Father Henry Salleh, the Rector of St. Edmund Limbang, was among those present and expressed his thankfulness for the government’s initiative.
He remarked that the provision of such assistance reflects the government’s genuine concern for the welfare and spiritual needs of the community. He also expressed his hope that the enhanced facilities would be used to foster greater unity and growth within the congregations.
Also in attendance were key figures from the local religious community. This included the Chairman of the Alexius Sampai Saka Parish Committee, a representative from the BEM Church, Pastor Patrick Balong, and Limbang District Council Member, Councilor Aaron Rachel Palu.
UNIFOR was established by the Sarawak government to manage and distribute state funds for the benefit of non-Islamic religions. This latest distribution in Limbang is part of its ongoing mission to promote religious harmony and support infrastructure development.
