BETONG: Sarawak is fortunate to have the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) which provides assistance to non-Islamic places of worship such as churches, temples and various other religious organisations.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the establishment of UNIFOR shows Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s concern that all Sarawakians ahold be able to practise religious freedom.
Rentap, who is also Layar assemblyman, said this during the Wesak Day celebration dinner and groundbreaking ceremony for the Betong Buddhist Association Multipurpose Hall at Dewan Panglima Rentap here, recently.
He thanked the Betong Buddhist Association for their social activities and their efforts in helping those who are in need.
In addition, Rentap also thanked several other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Che Zhong Khor Betong Moral Uplifting Organisation and the Chung Hua Betong Association for their efforts in carrying out social activities across different ethnic groups.
He said that the Betong community has always been united and the culture should be passed down from one generation to another.
Meanwhile, Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu said he will obtain additional funds from UNIFOR for the Betong Buddhist Association to complete the construction of the multipurpose hall.
He said that the Wesak Day celebration by the Buddhist community shows the religious freedom practised in Sarawak and this privilege should be appreciated by people of various ethnicities and religions in the state.
At the same event, Rentap announced an allocation of RM30,000 for the Betong Buddhist Association.
According to him, the construction cost of the hall is RM2.25 million, which is partly funded by the government through UNIFOR and Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants, as well as contributions from corporate bodies and individual.
Betong Buddhist Association chairman meanwhile, Patrick Own Chen Chiung meanwhile, said the planning for the multipurpose hall started in 2018 and funds for the project have been collected since then.
When completed, the hall will have administrative offices, guest rooms, meeting rooms, an air-conditioned hall with three badminton courts and a capacity for 80 tables for events.
Earlier, a blessing ceremony led by Venerable Wu Ci and Venerable Xian Ji was held, followed by the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the hall by Rentap.
