Uggah hands over cheques for RM20 mln to mission schools

KUCHING: The Sarawak government today handed over 129 cheques worth RM20 million to mission schools for infrastructure upgrades.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the allocation, approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, was the first phase of this year’s RM30 million, up from RM20 million in the past five years.

“The remaining RM10 million will be used to run programmes to improve the academic performance of students in mission schools,” he told reporters after the cheque presentation ceremony here today.

He said this would enable students to benefit from the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), but they must first improve their performance.

The programmes would include science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as English, Mathematics, and reading and writing skills.

“If you can’t read or write, then the basic problem is still there,” he said.

Uggah (centre) and other dignitaries pose for group photo at the cheque handover ceremony. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

The RM10 million will be distributed later through a committee set up by the mission schools, which will decide the allocation for each denomination.

The cheques were handed to representatives of six mission authorities, who will channel the funds to the schools.

The Anglican Diocese of Kuching received RM7,751,900 (50 cheques), the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching RM4,961,216 (32) and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sibu RM3,565,874 (23).

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Miri received RM1,085,266 (seven), the Methodist Sarawak Iban Annual Conference RM1,240,402 (eight) and the Methodist Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference RM1,395,342 (nine).

Uggah, who is also the minister-in-charge of Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), said the cheques were handed to church representatives as part of empowering them.

He said RM90 million was allocated this year for houses of worship, with RM34 million already disbursed.

He described the assistance as a “game changer” for mission schools, churches and other houses of worship.