KUCHING: The Sarawak government through Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) has allocated another RM2.1 million for the Kuching Anglican Church Columbarium project.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is the minister-in-chargeof UNIFOR, presented a cheque for the amount to the Anglican Bishop of Kuching, Datuk Danald Jute on Wednesday.
“This (RM2.1 million) cheque from UNIFOR is part of the last package of the RM110 million that was allocated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for 2024,” he said to reporters after the cheque presentation.
Uggah pointed out that the columbarium project would cost RM8.5 million.
Meanwhile, Danald said the columbarium project, located between St Thomas’s Secondary School and the old museum, near the old Anglican cemetery, is currently at 60 per cent completion.
“The columbarium will have 9,000 small cubicles. We expect it to be completed towards the end of next year. It’s progressing very well,” he said, while adding that the columbarium is not limited to Anglicans alone.
He added the Anglican church has reached an agreement with other churches through the Association of Churches to open the facility to facilitate the Christian community from other denominations.
Danald said the columbarium will be managed by a dedicated committee.
He expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak government for supporting the church.
“We are truly grateful indeed. We can assure you that we will use every single sen for the building. Thank you so much once again,” he said.
It was previously reported that Abang Johari approved the project in December 2022 and a grant of RM5 million had been allocated for the construction of the columbarium.
Also present were UNIFOR director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau and Anglican Diocese of Kuching secretary Revd Johnson Lapok.
