MIRI – The Sarawak Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering religious harmony and balanced development across the state, including rural and interior regions, with the allocation of RM1.032 million through the Other Religions Affairs Unit (UNIFOR) to churches in Telang Usan.
Telang Usan State Assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau said the funding reflects the government’s inclusive policy, which prioritises justice and equality regardless of religion or geographical location.
He emphasised that UNIFOR is more than financial support, describing it as a symbol of the government’s concern for community well-being and interfaith unity.
“The Sarawak Government under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier always ensures that all communities, including those in rural and interior areas, receive the attention they deserve. UNIFOR is not just financial assistance, but a symbol of the government’s concern for the harmony and well-being of the people,” he said during the allocation presentation ceremony at the N.77 Telang Usan Public Service Centre.
The distribution covered six main recipients:
- Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Long Lutin – RM300,000
- Emmanuel Catholic Church Long Apu (Bishop of Miri) – RM250,000
- St Peter Church Long Sobeng – RM125,000
- BEM Long Anyat – RM150,000
- St Petrus Church Long Palai (Bishop of Miri) – RM107,000
- St Pius National School Management Board – RM100,000 (via two cheques of RM87,000 and RM13,000)
Dato Dennis reminded recipients to ensure transparent financial management and to use the funds strictly for their intended purposes.
He stressed that proper record-keeping would facilitate monitoring and support future requests for additional allocations.
“Every cent of public funds must directly benefit the community. Expenditure records must be kept well to facilitate monitoring and also requests for additional allocations in the future,” he said.
He further noted that leadership changes at the church or committee level should not disrupt project implementation, reiterating that UNIFOR allocations belong to institutions and communities rather than individuals.
The ceremony highlighted the Sarawak Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening unity, mutual respect among religious groups, and ensuring that the development of houses of worship continues inclusively and effectively for the benefit of the state’s diverse population.
