KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian today (Oct 28) presented a RM1 million cheque from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to St Peter’s Catholic Church Padungan, contributing to the ambitious RM38 million church construction project.
Since last year, with government grants and public donations, total funding has reached an estimated RM26 million.
Dr Sim pointed out the importance of collective support to close this funding gap, given the rising post-pandemic construction costs.
“The total cost of this church, from what I understand from St Peter’s Church Rector Reverend Father Vincent Chin, is about RM38 million. Nowadays, after COVID-19, everything goes up by one third.
“While we have raised substantial funds, we’re still short of RM 12 million.
“We appeal to everyone to help us close this gap quickly since the building is near completion,” he said.
He said this when met with the reporter at the St Peter’s Catholic Church Padungan today.
In response to questions about the remaining funds, Dr Sim clarified that the RM12 million will go toward outstanding construction costs, noting that many vendors and contractors have contributed their services upfront.
“There’s a lot of goodwill involved, with people helping us to build first without collecting payment. However, it cannot be left unpaid,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chin said that while construction was initially set to complete by the end of October, a brief extension has been granted, with completion anticipated by November 15.
“By Nov 15, we hope everything will be ready. After that, we will proceed with the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) inspection and apply for a temporary Occupational Permit (OP) from Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
“We will have the first mass here, Christmas Midnight Mass. After which, we will continue to use the place and improve on whatever needs to be improved,” he said.
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Most Reverend Datuk Dr Simon Poh, has scheduled the church’s official opening for next year June 29 (Sunday).
“We will extend the celebration over a week because we anticipate a large turnout,” he said.
