Miri church, mosque seek help on temporary parking site

MIRI (Jan 19): The management of the Parish of Good Shepherd Church and Masjid An-Naim Lutong here are seeking the state government’s assistance to allow a vacant plot in front of the church to be used as a temporary parking site, as the mosque’s parking facilities are currently undergoing upgrading works.

The two neighbouring houses of worship have long practised a spirit of mutual assistance by sharing parking facilities.

“The construction works have significantly reduced parking capacity, and are expected to inconvenience worshippers from both sides particularly during Friday prayers and Sunday services,” they said in a statement.

Representatives from both religious institutions recently met Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting to seek government support and coordination, including approval to temporarily utilise the vacant plot as a shared parking site throughout the construction period.

“The plot of land is strategically located with suitable traffic access, making it a practical interim solution to ease congestion and ensure that religious activities can continue without disruption,” they said.

Meanwhile, Ting said the longstanding cooperation between the church and mosque reflected the spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and interfaith harmony synonymous with Sarawak.

“This is a clear example of how multiracial and multi-religious communities can work together in a practical and meaningful way.

“Even in facing temporary challenges, both are united in finding solutions,” said the Piasau assemblyman.

He added he would discuss and coordinate with the relevant government departments to explore the best possible options to facilitate the temporary parking arrangement.