23 mission schools get state govt aid of RM3.1 mln

SIBU: The Sarawak government has disbursed financial aid totalling RM3,103,160 to schools under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sibu.

The aid was given out through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said that the financial aid for the second phase would benefit 23 schools in four divisions, namely Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and Kapit.

“Out of the total amount of RM3.1 million, 23 schools will benefit from this financial aid,” he said at the ceremony for the Presentation of Financial Aid Cheques to Sarawak Missionary Schools for the Year 2023-Phase 2 at a hotel here yesterday (Dec 13).

For the Sibu division, funds were distributed to two Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) and eight Primary Schools (SR), Sarikei (SMK-1, SR-4), Mukah (SMK-1, SR-6) and Kapit (SR-1).

Snowdan, who is also the advisor to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sibu, said the needs of these schools were identified by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sibu, led by Right Reverend Joseph Hii Teck Kwong.

“This year marks the third year that the Sarawak government has provided financial aid to missionary schools for the purpose of managing, repairing, and upgrading school infrastructure.

“It is hoped that schools that have received financial aid previously and today will always adhere to regulations regarding the expenditure of this financial aid,” he said.

For applications for next year, Snowdan advised the schools to plan early on the scope of the projects they wish to apply for.

“Please submit your project report for this year to ensure that you will not face any problems when applying for aid next year,” he said.

Snowdan (2nd left) presents the aid to SMK Sacred Heart principal David Teo. Also seen is Hii (right).