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Religious grants — Only in Sarawak

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Shankar receives the cheque from Uggah.

KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) has disbursed RM3,896,000 to 30 houses of worship yesterday which will help to cover their operation cost due to being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.


Minister-in-charge of Unifor Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the grant was from the Houses of Worship Covid-19 Operational Grant consisting of RM5 million which was approved by the Sarawak government this year.


“Although the amount may not be big, this is part of the state government’s effort to help the houses of worship to cover their expenses due to the need to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).


“I hope that with the grant provided, it can provide some relief to your organisation,” he said during the cheque presentation at his office, Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.


Uggah, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said the allocation of the grant is indeed a reflection that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is inclusive.


“The state government is always trying to find ways to ensure that everybody is taken care of, especially during this difficult time of Covid-19,” he said.


This year, besides the Houses of Worship Covid-19 Operational Grant, the Sarawak government has also approved RM50 million in grants for repairs, maintenance or construction of new building of non-Muslim houses of worship and RM15 million in grants for the mission schools in the state.


On another note, Uggah conveyed his appreciation to all the houses of worship in helping the state government in the fight against Covid-19 by ensuring that the people comply with the related SOPs in curbing the spread of the virus.


In attendance to receive the cheque from Uggah were Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian who received on behalf of the Buddhist and Taoist religious bodies, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh, Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association Kuching president Shankar Ram.


Unifor director Richard Lon was also present during the cheque presentation.

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