Latest news with #RM475
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: S'wak govt channels RM565 mln to Unifor for religious infrastructure, inclusivity
Uggah (eight left) receives a souvenir from Georgina (seventh left) as Lee (ninth left), Penguang (sixth left) and other guests look on. MIRI (July 21): The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM565 million to the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that all Sarawakians can worship in environments that are safe, dignified and comfortable, regardless of their faith. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said of the total sum, RM475 million has already been channelled through Unifor to support the development and enhancement of houses of worship across Sarawak. 'These efforts are anchored in the principle of social inclusivity,' he said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the Interfaith Thanksgiving event held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebration at a hotel here last night. He said the state government's support covers places of worship for various faiths, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sikhism, the Baha'i faith and traditional belief systems. Meanwhile, the remaining RM90 million has been allocated to missionary schools throughout Sarawak since 2021. Abang Johari also noted that Unifor is the only agency of its kind in Malaysia, describing it as a clear reflection of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led Sarawak government's deep respect for the state's diverse religious landscape. 'With sustained support, Unifor has cultivated a strong and stable ecosystem of interfaith harmony, making Sarawak a model of unity across Malaysia,' he said. He added that through Unifor, the state government will continue to strengthen the infrastructure of religious institutions, ensuring that every citizen enjoys freedom of faith and peace of worship. At the same time, he stressed the need for Sarawak to remain a beacon of peace and unity amid growing global challenges. He called on religious leaders to play a vital role in fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting mutual understanding among communities. 'They are crucial partners in building a holistic and thriving society, helping shape the moral compass of our future generation,' he said. On the event, Abang Johari said it offered a meaningful opportunity to deepen interfaith connections and appreciate the spiritual diversity that defines Sarawak. 'When we come together to celebrate our traditions, we embrace the spirit of inclusivity, a principle embedded in our Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'Let this celebration serve as a reaffirmation of our shared values, mutual respect, and our continued journey towards a more united and holistic Sarawak,' he added. Among those present were Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is also the minister in-charge of the Sarawak Day celebration 2025, Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and Unifor director Georgina Apphia Ngau. Abang Johari Interfaith Thanksgiving event lead Unifor
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak's GDP expected to surpass 5 pct this year
(Seated from left) Sagah, Uggah, Ting and Mancha in a photocall with other guests during the event. MIRI (June 11): Sarawak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to exceed 5 per cent by the end of this year, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure and green technology, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He attributed the state's strong performance to political stability, the people's unity, and policies implemented by the Sarawak government, which have begun yielding encouraging results. Against the setting of Malaysia's GDP growth forecast of 4.4 to 5.5 per cent, Abang Johari said Sarawak's performance continues to be guided by the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, launched in July 2021 to transform Sarawak from a traditional economy to a new economy, centred on green growth policies. He expressed optimism that the implementation of PCDS 2030 would enable Sarawak to achieve developed and high-income status by 2030, while also ensuring social inclusion and environmental sustainability. 'The almost threefold increase in state revenue, from around RM5 billion eight years ago to RM15 billion last year, gives us the confidence that we can achieve the PCDS 2030 goals,' he said. Abang Johari's speech text was read by his deputy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the 'Religious and Other Religions Thanksgiving Ceremony', held in conjunction with the state-level official birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Limbang Civic Hall today. Also present were State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and minister-in-charge of the celebration, Dato Dri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Arts Performance Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; and Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata. Meanwhile, a total of RM475 million in aid funds has been provided by Other Religious Affairs Unit (Unifor) to houses of worship, including those of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Baha'i, Sikh, and Hinduism, based on the principle of social inclusivity. These funds are meant for their construction projects, repairs, renovations, maintenance, and purchase of equipment and religious tools. 'In addition, Unifor has also provided a total of RM90 million to missionary schools in Sarawak since 2021. This means that RM565 million has been allocated to Unifor by the Sarawak government,' added Abang Johari. Commenting on the event, he said it provides an opportunity for Sarawakians to witness the uniqueness of their culture. 'We are the only region in Malaysia that organises such thanksgiving ceremony as an annual event, held in conjunction with Sarawak's flagship celebrations such as today's event. 'This ceremony reflects the nature of tolerance, inclusiveness, respect, and understanding among our people who come from various religions and beliefs, yet are united in giving thanks and offering prayers for the wellbeing of His Majesty and the Queen,' he said. abang johari economic growth GDP
