KUCHING: A total of RM34.87 million has been approved for 148 houses of worship projects across Sarawak under the first phase of the Unit for Other Religions’ (UNIFOR) 2026 allocation.
Deputy Premier and Minister-in-charge of UNIFOR Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the grants would be channelled through 45 Members of Parliament and assemblymen for projects in their respective constituencies.
“This is the first batch, while the second batch will be handed over in October,” he said during the Phase 1 cheque presentation at the UNIFOR Complex here on Tuesday (Aug 18).
He said the remaining RM55.12 million from this year’s RM90 million allocation would be fully disbursed under Phase 2.
The allocation is intended to support the physical development of houses of worship for religions other than Islam throughout the state.
Uggah said Sarawak had channelled RM565 million through UNIFOR up to 2026, reflecting the state government’s continued commitment to religious inclusivity.
He urged MPs and assemblymen to promptly deliver the cheques to the respective recipients to ensure that the projects could proceed without unnecessary delays.
Project committees and houses of worship must also use the funds responsibly and strictly for their approved purposes.
Uggah said UNIFOR, assisted by the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak, would continue conducting ground inspections to monitor the implementation of funded projects.
“The UNIFOR team has to meticulously and diligently go to the ground with the assistance of PWD Sarawak to ensure that what is being funded will be delivered,” he said.
He added that the monitoring was necessary to ensure every programme was carried out with integrity, transparency and accountability.
Uggah also called on all parties to work together to preserve Sarawak’s unity and religious harmony.
“We are the model state in Malaysia, and we must keep it that way,” he said.
