KUCHING: Failure to submit progress reports on approved projects remains a major concern in the administration of state funding for houses of worship.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said recipients of funds under the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) must use the approved allocations in accordance with the plan and submit timely progress reports, warning that non-compliance could jeopardise future funding.
“For projects approved between 2017 and 2024, 72 have yet to commence, and out of 3,009 projects overall, 285 have not submitted any progress report,” he said.
“If reports are not received and allocations are not utilised, no further funds will be given, and any new applications from the same houses of worship will not be considered,” he told reporters after the Cheque Presentation Ceremony for UNIFOR 2025 Phase Four at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Tuesday (Jan 27).
Uggah, who is Unifor chairman, said while some projects may have only recently received their allocations, UNIFOR is closely monitoring implementation, with its teams actively conducting site visits and engaging directly with project stakeholders.
On the latest disbursement, Uggah said RM13.6 million was channelled to elected representatives and recipients for 71 projects under UNIFOR 2025 Phase Four.
For this year, a total allocation of RM120 million has been approved, comprising RM90 million for houses of worship of various faiths and RM30 million for mission schools across Sarawak.
Uggah noted that UNIFOR faced several implementation issues last year, prompting the government to tighten procedures and urge early submissions to avoid repeat delays.
“We are asking all applications to be submitted no later than the end of February so the process can be expedited.
“The Sarawak government plans to issue the cheques as early as June, but this depends on applications being received early and in order,” he said.
Uggah said all applications and progress reports will now be submitted digitally through a newly launched online system, ORSEM, to strengthen transparency and accountability.
“It was developed to streamline UNIFOR’s service delivery and enhance efficiency, integrity and accessibility in managing houses of worship for Sarawak’s multi-faith communities,” he added.
Uggah clarified that these were for initial applications rather than payment claims, addressing concerns about inflated project cost estimates.
“To ensure transparency and accuracy, we are now working with the Public Works Department (JKR), which is providing quantity surveyors and architects to assess and verify project costs,” he said.
He said applicants are not allowed to deviate from the approved cost estimates.
On requests for cemetery land, Uggah said the matter remains under discussion as UNIFOR has received numerous applications involving land acquisition and maintenance issues.
“UNIFOR will refine and finalise the terms of reference on this matter before any decision is made,” he said.
