BY NATASHA JEE and ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER
KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex, the building that will symbolise Sarawak’s inclusivity policies, is 40.4 per cent complete.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the construction of the building is ahead of schedule.
“The last time I came to check on the progress of the building, it was 28 per cent complete on May 12. Today (Aug 12), we were briefed it is 40.4 which is 0.34 per ahead of schedule.
“So, we hope the contractor appointed will continue to deliver and it is very important for us to see that this building will be completed on schedule,” he said.
He said this to reporters after inspecting work progress on the UNIFOR Complex at its construction site at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee on Saturday (Aug 12).
Uggah, who is also the minister in charge of UNIFOR, said he is also impressed with the construction progress of the building.
“As you know, I am involved with a lot of ‘sick’ projects. But this (UNIFOR) Complex is not a ‘sick’ project.
“It is a good progress and we hope to continue in our promise to all the non-Islamic religious groups that we will deliver this building on time.
“The building is also very important to them because it is a symbol of Sarawak’s inclusivity policies which is really helping us to cement our unity in Sarawak,” said Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development.
He said having unity is important for the future as Sarawak moves towards a developed state by 2030.
“Hence, it is very important that everyone works together, lives peacefully, and continues the religious and racial harmony that we have in the state,” he said.
The UNIFOR Complex began construction in July 2022, with the project costing at RM63.6 million and is scheduled for completion in July next year.
The Unifor Charitable Trust was established by the state government, which is the owner and manager of the UNIFOR Complex. The trust is responsible for raising and managing the funds, property and maintenance.
Later, in response to a recent complaint about rainwater affecting nearby premises due to heavy rain, Uggah said the contractor has voluntarily built drainage systems to prevent similar incidents from happening.
Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah and UNIFOR director Datuk Jack Aman were among those present.
