KUCHING: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said he will suggest to the state government to increase its fund under the Unit for Other Religion (Unifor).
He said now that the state has its source of income from the five percent sales tax on petroleum products, it is possible to increase the grants for new houses of worship or their maintenance.
“I will speak to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the minister-in-charge of Unifor to urge our Chief Minister to increase the unit’s fund,” he said after visiting the Poh Ka Buddhist Temple’s new monastery construction site at Jalan Upland, Simpang Tiga here today.
On the RM7 million monastery which started construction in 2018 and expected to be completed by next year, Sim said it would not only serve as a place for devotees but also an attraction spot for tourists.
“Not many people know the presence of this temple. This holy site is unique with 130 years history of religious activities,” he pointed out.
He added that the temple together with its monastery was situated at an ideal site where it is not far from an international university, a shopping mall, federal complexes, and the Sarawak Islamic Information Centre.
“People will not only come to reflect and meditate, but visitors can also spend time at the monastery’s library or eat at the vegetarian restaurant.”
Sim also congratulated the temple’s committee and its devotees for their contribution towards building the monastery.
“Although the fund is still lacking, that did not discourage you from continuing and finding ways to raise funds for the building.
“And this comes from the heart, because you are doing it for the whole community,” he said.
Former Stampin MP Datuk Yong Khoon Seng, Unifor director Datu Dr Ngenang Janggu, the temple’s chairman Ngiaw Mui Khak, religious mentor Vanerable Shi Hui Yan, and project contractor who is the owner of Fung Hap Construction Bong Ah Shui were among those present at the event earlier today.
This year, the chief minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved RM30 million for Unifor.
