KUCHING: Kota Sentosa State Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap presented an additional RM350,000 grant from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to St Margaret Church Stampin today.
The cheque was handed over to Father Almond Pritchie in a brief but meaningful ceremony attended by church committee members, local leaders, and parishioners.
Yap also personally contributed RM3,000 to the church’s Women’s Fellowship to support their community and welfare activities.
With this latest allocation, he said the total UNIFOR funding received by St Margaret Church has reached RM2.05 million.
He said the funds will go toward the ongoing construction of a new church building, which is expected to cost over RM4.2 million and will serve residents in the greater Stampin and BDC areas.
“St Margaret Church has long been a cornerstone of Kampung Stampin and BDC as a house of worship but also as a centre for education, charity, and community service,” said Yap.
He added that under the leadership of Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak is proud to be the only state in Malaysia with UNIFOR, a dedicated institution to ensure no religion is left behind.
He noted that such financial assistance is especially crucial for suburban and rural congregations that often face difficulties raising funds for large-scale projects.
“I will continue to advocate for further allocations to St Margaret Church and other places of worship in Kota Sentosa so that our diverse communities can continue to thrive in peace and mutual respect,” Yap added.
Yap also commended Father Almond Pritchie and the church committee for their dedication in managing the project despite economic challenges.
By Connie Chieng