RM10 mln Unifor boost to drive STEM education in mission schools statewide

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By Emily Ruran

KUCHING, Jan 27: Sarawak has allocated an additional RM10 million through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) this year to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in mission schools statewide.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the allocation increased total Unifor funding for mission schools to RM30 million, while the RM90 million allocation for houses of worship was maintained.

“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has kindly maintained the RM90 million allocation for houses of worship and added RM10 million for mission schools to support their transition into STEM subjects.

“The funds may be used for teaching facilities such as smart boards, rather than building construction,” he said during the Unifor Phase 4 Cheque Handover Ceremony for 2025 held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.

Uggah, who oversees Unifor, said discussions would be held with heads of houses of worship that manage mission schools, together with assemblymen, to determine the appropriate use of the allocation.

He said the move was timely following Sarawak’s implementation of free tertiary education at state-owned universities and aimed to better prepare mission school students to pursue relevant fields of study.

“So we hope that students in mission schools will have the opportunity to study relevant subjects,” he added.

For the record, a total of RM13.63 million was approved under Phase 4 of Unifor’s 2025 disbursement, benefiting 71 projects across Sarawak.

To date, the RM90 million allocated for 2025 has been fully approved and disbursed under Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4, benefiting a total of 380 projects statewide.

The ceremony today saw 37 Members of Parliament (MPs) and assemblymen receive 71 cheques amounting to RM13.63 million for religious projects in their respective constituencies. — DayakDaily

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