Saint Mark’s Church receives UNIFOR Financial Grant

By David Hii

BATU KAWA — The parishioners of Saint Mark’s Church (SMC) gathered in high spirits and gratitude on the morning of Sunday, 30 August, 2026, to witness a significant milestone for their growing community.

Immediately following the 7:00 AM Mass, the congregation and parish leadership gathered at the main entrance to warmly welcome Sarawak Deputy Premier, YB Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and his entourage. They were received with gladness by SMC Rector, Reverend Fr Felix Au, members of the SMC Main Committee, and local parishioners.

During the visit, Datuk Amar Dr Sim presented a Sarawak Government financial grant worth RM1 million allocated through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR). The mock cheque was handed over by YB Dr Sim to Fr Felix Au, while UNIFOR Director, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau handed over the cheque to SMC Secretary Annie John and Chairman Fund Raising cum SMC Deputy Chairman David Hii. witnessed by Chairman and Members of Main Committee and parishioners.

This vital financial aid is explicitly designated to support the SMC Phase 2 and 3 development projects, which carry a total contract price of RM7.8 million.  The upcoming Phase 2 involves constructing a 5-storey classroom block to facilitate Sunday School and parish meetings, while Phase 3 will see the construction of a two-storey multi-purpose hall to serve the expanding spiritual, pastoral, and communal needs of the community.

To help raise further funds toward the building fund, parish fiesta tickets – for the upcoming fiesta scheduled on November 22, 2026 as well as lucky draw tickets were also made available for sale on-site during the minister’s visit and at the church premises.

The morning concluded with an exchange of mutual blessings and deep appreciation from the parish to the Sarawak Government and UNIFOR for their continuous funding support, alongside active community participation in the ongoing fundraising efforts.