KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) of the Premier of Sarawak's Department today presented RM20 million to 120 mission schools for the construction of new buildings or renovating existing ones, buying of furniture and computer equipment.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who is the minister in charge of UNIFOR, handed over cheques to the representatives of the schools.
Uggah described the aid as a big help to the schools from the Sarawak government.
"We hope with the new buildings and the upgrading and with better and more complete facilities, our students will enjoy a more conducive atmosphere," he said.
He hoped that the schools receiving the aid would follow the financial regulations in spending based on the scope of their applications.
"They should submit to UNIFOR the progress reports of their projects twice each year and in March and September until the projects are completed and the grants fully spent," he added.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn received cheques for a total amount of RM7,874,040 on behalf of 44 schools under the Anglican Diocese of Kuching.
Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil received cheques for the amount of RM5,039,360 on behalf of 32 mission schools under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching.
Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan received cheques amounting to RM3,622,040 on behalf of 23 schools under the Roman Catholic Church of Sibu Diocese while cheques amounting to RM1,102,360 were for seven schools under the Roman Catholic Church of Miri Diocese.
Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi received cheques totalling RM1,259,840 for eight schools under the Methodist Church's Sarawak Iban Annual Conference (SIAC).
Six schools under the Methodist's Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC) received a total of RM1,102,360.
UNIFOR director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau was among those at the handing-over ceremony.
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