Unifor approves 71 applications for funds from Lawas

LAWAS: A total of 71 applications for funds from houses of worship in Lawas district have been approved this year involving RM3.21 million.

Director of Unit for Other Religion (Unifor) in the Chief Minister’s Department, Richard Lon said 41 applications amounting to RM1 million were approved under Phase 6/2021 and cheques were being presented.

“11 applications involving RM1.21 million approved in Phase 2/2021 had been disbursed. RM 1 million approved under Phase 3/2021 for 19 applicants had also been disbursed,” he said in the meeting with representatives of houses of Worship at BEM Long Segaman church here on Friday.

Richard handed over 24 cheques amounting to RM615,000 under Phase 6 to BEM churches in Ulu Trusan district and BEM Lawas Damit district while other applications from Lawas approved under Phase 6/2021 will be handed over in the near future. He hoped the assistance will enable their respective projects to be completed on schedule, especially projects stalled due to lack of funds and pandemic.

“Unifor will go down to the field to monitor the progress of these projects from time to time so that intervention measures can be taken if necessary to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated cost and period,” he said.

Richard said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had approved a fund of RM50 million for the construction, improvement and repair of houses of worship in Sarawak this year, underscoring a policy of inclusivity and understanding difficulties in raising funds especially rural communities.