KUCHING – The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) commenced the first day of its Pre-Evaluation Meeting for the 2026 Phase 1 Assistance Fund for non-Muslim houses of worship on 30 March at the Hilton Hotel Kuching.
The session was chaired by YBhg. Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, UNIFOR Director, and attended by Quantity Surveyors from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR).
The meeting followed weeks of fieldwork and engagement sessions with community representatives and stakeholders.
UNIFOR has now entered a crucial stage involving verification, review, and evaluation of applications submitted for financial assistance.
This process is designed to ensure that all requests are carefully scrutinised before being presented to the Evaluation Committee.
The Pre-Evaluation Meeting emphasised the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. Each application is being examined to confirm that support is directed to institutions most in need, thereby strengthening the integrity of the fund’s distribution.
Quantity Surveyors from JKR Sarawak played a vital role during the session, providing technical expertise in reviewing work specifications and cost estimates.
Their professional input ensures that projects are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with the standards required for sustainable development.
The collaboration between UNIFOR and JKR reflects a broader commitment to efficient project implementation.
By combining administrative oversight with technical evaluation, the process aims to deliver quality outcomes that benefit religious institutions across Sarawak.
The meeting ran in two sessions, from 9.00am to 4.30pm and later from 8.00pm to 10.00pm, allowing for detailed discussions and thorough reviews.
This structured approach highlights UNIFOR’s dedication to comprehensive evaluation and its determination to uphold fairness in the allocation of resources.
UNIFOR’s initiative is part of Sarawak’s wider effort to promote religious harmony and inclusivity. By supporting houses of worship of different faiths, the state government reinforces its commitment to unity and respect among diverse communities.
The Pre-Evaluation Meeting is expected to pave the way for more efficient and impactful project implementation, ensuring that assistance reaches institutions that contribute to Sarawak’s social and cultural fabric.
It also demonstrates the government’s ongoing support for religious diversity and its recognition of the role such institutions play in community development.
