KUCHING: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Stampin Service Centre has been actively assisting various houses of worship in applying for federal funding to improve their facilities and community outreach since 2023.
Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong said that while Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) has done commendable work in supporting religious institutions of all faiths, certain temples and churches still fall outside its funding scope.
“This includes places of worship that do not have planning approval from the Land and Survey Department,” he explained.
“To ensure that these long-serving and historically significant institutions are not left behind, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, provides assistance under the Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam (RIBI) programme.”
Kong said through DAP Stampin’s proactive efforts and collaboration with the relevant ministries, more than RM1.6 million in federal allocations have been successfully secured for temples and churches across Greater Kuching.
“The funds have been channelled to improve facilities, repair infrastructure, and help these religious institutions continue serving their congregations and surrounding communities,” he said.
He added that this achievement reflects DAP Stampin’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every house of worship, regardless of land status or documentation, has access to support to enhance its environment and infrastructure.
“As we celebrate the birthday of the Monkey God at Tokong Thai Shin Kiung, we reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting this temple. Along with our pledge, we presented a financial allocation of RM3,000 to assist in its ongoing community activities,” he said.
Moving forward, Kong said DAP Stampin will continue working closely with religious institutions, community leaders, and the Ministry of Local Government Development to ensure temples and churches remain pillars of faith, unity, and social harmony in the community.