MIRI: Mission schools and other recipients of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) funding have been urged to deposit their cheques promptly to avoid the risk of them becoming void.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts I (Tourism), Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said if cheques are not banked within the validity period, recipients may have to go through the reapplication process, which could take several months.
These funds are part of the RM20 million allocated specifically for mission schools out of the RM110 million total government allocation to UNIFOR for the year.
“UNIFOR has consistently supported mission schools, churches, temples, and other religious places of worship in Sarawak. To my knowledge, Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that provides such generous yearly allocations. This is truly remarkable,” Ting said after presenting cheques from UNIFOR totaling RM310,000 to two schools here yesterday (Aug 30).
The recipient schools include SMK St Columba, which received RM190,000, and SK St Columba, which was granted RM120,000.
Ting expressed his gratitude to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government for its continued support through UNIFOR.
He noted that the funds are essential for the maintenance and development of mission schools, which play a crucial role in the education of Sarawak’s children.
“There are numerous mission schools across Sarawak, including primary and secondary schools, as well as kindergartens. I’m pleased to deliver these cheques, but it’s vital that they are banked in quickly. The cheques are only valid for three months, and the one I presented today was issued on June 27. If not banked in by September 26, the cheques will expire,” he cautioned.
Ting also pointed out the importance of timely action, noting that some recipients had previously forgotten to deposit their cheques, leading to delays.
“If the cheque expires, you’ll have to apply for a replacement, which could take months. So, don’t delay—bank it in quickly and acknowledge receipt,” he advised.
Also present at the ceremony were SMK and SK St Columba Miri school board chairman Simon Ilus and SMK St Columba principal Eno Liau.
