By Ma Chee Seng & Lee Shaw Wei
KUCHING: A total of RM1.5 million was handed over by the Unit For Other Religion (UNIFOR) to St Nicholas Church today (July 9) for upgrades and repairs on the church building in Bandar Baru Semariang.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jafaar officiated at the symbolic hand over of the cheque to Reverend Jugah Adi.
“The newly established UNIFOR unit can assist all communities, regardless of religion. The government’s concern for the people is only evident in Sarawak, which has such special funds,” Wan Junaidi said.
“This sizable fund is proof that the Sarawak government is sensitive to the community and works to promote unity in the state.”
Jugah also expressed his appreciation to the state government for providing funding for the church’s repairs.
He said the funds will be spent wisely with top priority going to three repair and improvement projects.
“We will use the funding to construct a wall that will act as a fortification to halt soil erosion and repairs to the rear of the church after it nearly collapsed from the erosion.
“We will then construct a priest’s residence or quarters. The small church will likely be upgraded to a bigger one as a result of this construction. Of course, it will also be utilised for other facilities,” he explained.
Also present was Political Secretary to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Syed Hamzah Syed Paie.
