Sarawak boosts mission school aid by RM10 mln to RM30 mln in 2026

Uggah (centre) in a photo with Sarawak leaders after the presentation of financial assistance for mission schools in Sarawak for Phase One of 2026 at his office in DUNS Complex on Oct 16, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 16: The Sarawak government has increased its financial assistance to mission schools by RM10 million to RM30 million this year, with RM20 million allocated for physical development and another RM10 million for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the increased allocation, under Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), reflected the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to supporting mission schools and improving educational opportunities for students across the State.

“This is the sixth consecutive year the State government had provided such assistance. Under Phase One, a total of 129 cheques amounting to RM20 million had been approved for distribution to mission schools throughout Sarawak through six Mission Authorities,” he said at the presentation of financial assistance for mission schools in Sarawak for Phase One of 2026 at his office in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) Complex today.

Uggah, who is also Unifor chairman, emphasised that the remaining RM10 million would be used to implement STEM-related programmes aimed at strengthening students’ academic performance, particularly in English and Mathematics, as well as improving their reading and numeracy skills.

“Based on our study, we find it is necessary to take concrete action to ensure they have opportunities for quality education,” he said.

Uggah said the initiative was also intended to help mission school students improve their academic performance and qualify for the benefits of the Sarawak government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).

He said the RM10 million allocation for STEM programmes, approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, would be distributed at a later stage.

“The allocation would be channelled through a committee established by the Mission Authorities, which would determine how the funding should be distributed among the respective schools and denominations to ensure fairness,” he explained.

Under the Phase One allocation, the Anglican Diocese of Kuching would receive 50 cheques worth RM7.75 million, with Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn receiving them on its behalf.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching would receive 32 cheques amounting to RM4.96 million, represented by Deputy Minister of Public and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, while the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sibu would receive 23 cheques worth RM3.56 million through Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Miri would receive seven cheques totalling RM1.085 million, represented by Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Meanwhile, the Methodist Sarawak Iban Annual Conference (SIAC) would receive eight cheques worth RM1.24 million through Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, while the Methodist Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC) would receive nine cheques totalling RM1.39 million through Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Uggah said the cheques were being handed over to elected representatives of the respective churches, in line with the government’s approach of empowering representatives to facilitate the subsequent distribution of assistance to the schools.

“The financial assistance is part of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s broader support for religious institutions and education under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership,” he emphasised.

Apart from the RM30 million for mission schools, he said approximately RM90 million had been allocated for houses of worship in 2026, of which RM34 million had been disbursed, with the balance to be distributed in due course.

“The establishment of the Unifor had helped address longstanding challenges faced by churches, temples and other places of worship, particularly in maintaining their buildings and facilities.

“The assistance had also helped mission schools meet their infrastructure needs, and we extend appreciation to Premier on behalf of the recipients,” he added.

Uggah also urged advisers to the Mission Authorities to ensure that all 129 cheques under the programme were distributed to the respective schools within three months of their issuance, or by Dec 22, 2026, to avoid delays in project implementation. — DayakDaily