KUCHING: The state government has agreed to provide a 7.5-acre of land in Kota Samarahan to relocate the Salvation Army at Jalan Ban Hock and Jalan Uplands.
Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had also agreed to grant a sum of RM4 million to the Salvation Army through Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“This is to assist them in their move and for the construction of new facilities,” she said while speaking at ‘The Sound of Music 3.0’ held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here, on Friday night.
She added that the international charitable organisation had also planned to further serve the society with the addition of homes caring for the elderly.
“We hope that this will be a success as our population is ageing rapidly and there is a need for this kind of service especially for the lower income population.”
The Salvation Army is currently squatting on two state lands at both Jalan Ban Hock and Jalan Uplands.
On the event, ‘The Sound of Music 3.0’ was a fundraising concert aimed to raise awareness among members of the public in light of the relocation which would require an enormous cost.
Hundreds of people attended the event which was jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Kuching Central supported by Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre and The Waterfront Hotel.
The concert commenced with performances by SainsKu Winds orchestra from SM Sains Kuching, musicians from the South Norfolk Youth Symphonic band, and homegrown internationally-acclaimed contemporary violinist, composer and producer Nisa Addina Taufik together with her band.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of RM2.6 million cheque from Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) to The Salvation Army.
Among those present were outgoing state secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani; the event’s chairman cum Plaza Merdeka Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Steve Ng Thian Yew; the event’s vice chairman Mohamad Taufik Abdul Ghani; Territorial Commander for Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory Colonel Rodney Walters; BMC chairman Dr John Chew Chee Ming; BMC managing director Dr Peter Tang; BMC executive director Robert Lau; and Rotary Club of Kuching Central president Leonard Sia.
Donations can be made to the Salvation Army by contacting Major Francis Ng at 012-4052430. All donations are fully tax deductible.
