SIBU: Namo Buddha Society Sibu (NBSS) continues to receive government attention when the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) channelled RM1 million to continue the third phase of the association’s new monastery construction project at Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce here on Sunday.
Bukit Assek state assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, said the latest allocation completed the phased support that began in 2021, bringing the total amount of assistance received by the association to RM1.65 million.
According to him, UNIFOR’s continued commitment proved the state government’s determination to ensure that non-Muslim houses of worship also enjoy balanced development.
“Sarawak remains the only state that has an organised mechanism to support the development of non-Muslim religious institutions with the beginning of this initiative during the era of the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem in 2017 and is now continuing under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier.
“For the year 2025 alone, the government has approved RM110 million for the purpose of building and upgrading houses of worship and missionary schools.
“This is Sarawak’s inclusive policy that values religious diversity,” he told reporters after handing over the allocation fund to NBSS Chairperson, Leong Chew Ling, at the construction project site.
Commenting on the progress of the project, Chieng said that the construction of the monastery was showing encouraging progress.
“Last year, only the foundation was completed. Today, it has risen two and a half floors. According to the association chairperson, the main structure is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
“The new monastery, known as Namo Buddha Monastery, will be the first worship centre of its kind in Sibu and has the potential to become a new tourist attraction that can boost the local economy,” he enthused.
He also said that the area around the construction site has also been allocated to seven to eight other religious organisations, including Buddhists and churches, as part of the government’s efforts to foster harmony between followers of various religions.
“Any religious organisation that wishes to apply for assistance through UNIFOR can contact me. I will help as best I can,” Chieng added.
Also in attendance during the presentation of allocation fund was members of the NBSS committee.
