KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex here will serve as a platform for interfaith engagement, fostering dialogue, interaction and mutual understanding among Sarawak’s diverse religious communities.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the minister-in-charge of UNIFOR, said the realisation of the complex stemmed from the vision of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Recalling the early idea behind the project, he said the Premier had once asked whether UNIFOR should have its own complex similar to other institutions, which led him to take up the initiative and formally propose the project.
“I took up the challenge and wrote a letter, and he approved the land. This is prime land in the heart of Kuching. We are very fortunate,” he said in his welcoming speech at the launch of the UNIFOR Complex today.
Uggah expressed appreciation to the Premier for allocating 3.19 acres of land for the development, strategically located along what he described as “Unity Lane” alongside key institutions such as the Islamic Information Centre (IIC), Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF), Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS), Social Welfare Council of Sarawak (PERKATA), Sarawak Society for the Blind, Sarawak Cheshire Home, Pusat Perkhidmatan Warga Emas Kuching and Wisma Melanau.
He added that the architectural concept of the building reflects unity through its modern “One Wrap” exterior design and harmonious interior layout, incorporating a repeating star motif symbolising Sarawak’s diverse communities.
The 10-storey complex, costing RM75.663 million, was designed in line with the Green Building Index (GBI) and Sarawak’s environmental sustainability agenda, incorporating natural lighting, energy-efficient electrical fittings and natural ventilation.
Among its facilities are a nine-storey office tower comprising eight levels of office space of 6,932 square feet each and one level of executive lounge with two function rooms, a rooftop garden, a banquet hall with a capacity of 1,000 people, nine retail outlets and 286 parking bays, including two electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy.
Facilities on the ninth floor, including the function rooms, as well as the rooftop garden on the 10th floor, are available free of charge for use by members of various houses of worship.
Uggah also recorded appreciation to the Premier for approving RM685 million in allocations to UNIFOR from 2017 to 2026, as well as to Arif Hemat Sdn Bhd of Samling Group for donating 0.023 acres of adjacent land for the project.
He added that from 2025 to March 2026, UNIFOR had spent RM629,000 to support the implementation of 26 programmes, including welfare initiatives, religious and spiritual activities, as well as assistance for the purchase of furniture and electrical fittings.
