KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) is actively working to digitise its services by developing the Other Religions Services Management Systems (ORSEM).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said ORSEM is an initiative aimed at improving service delivery, upgrading its capacity and enhancing project monitoring capabilities across Sarawak.
“To introduce the digitisation effort, UNIFOR has conducted a comprehensive training programme involving 452 administrators from houses of worship, Resident Offices and District Offices.
“Additionally, 825 participants from various houses of worship attended the Sarawak Digital Government Services briefing held in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Miri, and Limbang. I hope the programme will be implemented seamlessly,” Uggah said in his speech during the 2024 Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) appreciation ceremony at Hikmah Exchange and Event Centre here on Wednesday night (Dec 4).
Since its establishment, Uggah said that UNIFOR has approved and funded 2,255 projects across various sectors, including the construction of new places of worship, upgrading and maintaining existing facilities, improving religious infrastructure to better serve communities, and building and maintaining 120 Mission Schools in Sarawak.
“As of November 2024, of the 2,255 projects approved, a total of 909 projects have been completed, 654 are in progress, 84 have not yet started and 563 are still in the reporting phase.
“While these figures reflect UNIFOR’s commitment to implementing projects efficiently and delivering tangible benefits, we must address key challenges to ensure further progress,” he said.
He highlighted that there were two key issues during project implementation.
“Firstly, for the 84 projects that have yet to begin, the policy stipulates that no additional funding will be allocated to applicants until the current funds have been fully utilised.
“Secondly, on the 563 projects that have not yet submitted a status report, I urge the reporting process to be expedited,” he said.
Uggah emphasised the success of these projects hinges on close collaboration between UNIFOR, elected representatives, and other stakeholders.
“To the religious leaders, please remind your members that they must cooperate and send their updated reports in a timely manner,” said Uggah.
