Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen’s special assistant Michael Kong (left) presents a cheque for the allocation to event organising committee chairman Liew Kuek Hian for the Thai Shin Kiung Temple’s Monkey God birthday celebration.
KUCHING (Oct 9): The Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) has secured and channelled over RM1.6 million in funding to various temples and churches across Kuching to improve their facilities, upgrade infrastructure, and support their ongoing service to congregations and communities.
In a statement, DAP Stampin said while the state government’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) has been doing commendable work in supporting religious institutions of all faiths, certain temples and churches still fall outside its funding scope.
This includes religious institutions without planning approval from the Land and Survey Department, it said.
“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.
“This achievement reflects DAP Stampin’s proactive efforts and close collaboration with the relevant ministries to ensure that every house of worship, regardless of land status or documentation, has the opportunity to receive financial support for improvements and maintenance,” said the branch.
It added that it has been actively assisting numerous places of worship in applying for federal funding since 2023.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the birthday celebration of the Monkey God at Thai Shin Kiung Temple, DAP Stampin presented an allocation of RM3,000 to support the temple in its community-based activities.
“Moving forward, DAP Stampin remains committed to working hand in hand with places of worship, community leaders and the Ministry of Local Government Development to ensure that temples and churches continue to flourish as pillars of faith, unity, and social harmony within the community,” said the branch.