MUKAH: A total of RM500,000 in Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) grants for houses of worship in Balingian was presented to six recipients in a ceremony recently.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi presented the grants to representatives of Sungai Sebetong Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, St Mary Balingian Chapel, Tua Pek Kong Balingian, Kampung Sau, Mukah Catholic Chapel, Kampung Teh, Mukah St Thomas Chapel as well as Kampung Jebungan and Kampung Tegak’s Chapel.
Abdul Yakub reminded the recipients to utilise the funds to the fullest and for the comfort of the people when visiting their houses of worship.
He also said that the funds are to conduct religious programmes by the religious houses, adding that it has to be managed properly.
Unifor was formed in 2017 under the Chief Minister’s Department and was inspired by former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
It is to regulate the policy of promoting religious harmony and to evaluate, recommend and formulate policies, laws and rules relating to non-Muslim religious affairs.
In addition, Unifor also serves as a platform for applications for funds and lands for the purpose of construction or renovation of new churches or temples, as well as implementation of religious activities or programmes.
