KUCHING: Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) has strengthened its project oversight mechanism by deploying officers across Sarawak to ensure compliance and transparency.
“Previously, the churches themselves managed the projects, but now UNIFOR directly monitors implementation to prevent misuse of funds,” said Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“It is the Premier’s expectation that every allocation must lead to improved facilities or new buildings that benefit the people,” he added.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to religious inclusivity and transparency in development spending at the latest distribution of cheques by UNIFOR at the newly completed UNIFOR Complex here.
The funding assistance to non-Islamic houses of worship saw the distribution of RM19.07 million under Phase 2 of UNIFOR’s 2025 allocation, benefiting 107 projects across the state.
According to Uggah, the funds form part of the RM90 million total allocation approved by the Sarawak government this year to support the construction and upgrading of houses of worship for non-Islamic faiths.
“So far, we have distributed RM35.77 million from Phases 1 and 2, benefiting 171 projects.
“The remaining allocations must be distributed before November to ensure that the funds can be fully utilised within the fiscal year,” said Uggah, who is also the Minister in charge of UNIFOR.
A total of 41 Members of Parliament and sssemblymen received cheques on behalf of houses of worship in their constituencies.
Uggah commended UNIFOR’s team for diligently monitoring project implementation, ensuring that every ringgit spent translates into tangible progress.
“We have even issued detailed checklists specifying eligible items and expenditures,” he said.
Uggah also urged elected representatives to work closely with UNIFOR in ensuring accurate project budgeting and timely reporting.
“We have engaged architects and quantity surveyors from JKR to help determine realistic project costs.
“Some requests are as high as RM36 million, which may not be practical. So, we must all cooperate to ensure the funds are used wisely,” he said.
According to Uggah, 220 houses of worship have yet to submit progress reports, down from nearly 1,000 previously.
UNIFOR, established under the Sarawak Premier’s Office in 2017, has channelled hundreds of millions of ringgit to support Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, and Sikh places of worship, as well as mission schools, across the state.
