SARIKEI: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) initiative reflects the Sarawak Government’s inclusive policy in preserving religious harmony and diversity in the state, said Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii.
Huang, who is also Sarikei Member of Parliament and Repok state assemblyman, said the government remains committed to ensuring that the welfare and needs of non-Muslim houses of worship continue to receive fair and equitable financial assistance through UNIFOR.
He said the continued distribution of UNIFOR grants demonstrates the state government’s concern in supporting maintenance and upgrading works for houses of worship so that they can be used more comfortably and safely by their congregations.
“The Sarawak Government continues to support efforts to strengthen UNIFOR as a transparent and effective channel for financial assistance to non-Muslim houses of worship,” he said when officiating at the UNIFOR cheque presentation ceremony to Life Baptist Church Sarikei today.
Huang added that the state government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, remains attentive to the needs of all communities regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He noted that Life Baptist Church Sarikei previously received several UNIFOR allocations, including RM100,000 in 2018, RM100,000 in 2022 and RM70,000 for 2026 for development and facility upgrades.
The church also received allocations under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), involving RM100,000 in 2019, RM50,000 annually from 2021 to 2025 and RM100,000 for 2026.
