KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) has approved an allocation of RM1 million under its Phase 1 funding for 2026 to support development projects at St. Basil Church in Batu Kawa.
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the allocation reflects the Sarawak Government’s continued commitment through UNIFOR to ensure that the development of non-Muslim houses of worship remains a priority.
He said the state government hopes the allocation will be utilised prudently and for its intended purpose, as UNIFOR will monitor the use of funds and project implementation to ensure they are carried out as planned.
“From 2017 to 2026, the Sarawak government has allocated RM565 million to UNIFOR to support 2,640 house-of-worship projects throughout Sarawak,” he said.
He said this during the 20th Anniversary of St Basil Church, Batu Kawa dinner, held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here last night (Jul 3).
Uggah noted that Sarawak is the only region in Malaysia with a dedicated unit such as UNIFOR to support non-Muslim communities, making it a model of religious harmony and unity in diversity.
“Previously, St Basil Church Batu Kawa received RM2.45 million in assistance from the Sarawak government, comprising RM400,000 in 2017, RM1 million in 2020, RM50,000 in 2021, and RM1 million in 2024,” he said.
Uggah expressed appreciation to the church for its ongoing contribution to fostering inter-racial and interfaith harmony, as well as its role in community development through education, welfare, and youth development initiatives.
Meanwhile, he also announced a contribution of RM50,000 to the St Basil Church Batu Kawa Parish Community as a gesture of support for the church’s continued efforts in strengthening community development, unity, and the well-being of society.
Also present was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
