KUCHING, June 15 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has commended the management committees of various temples in Batu Kawa area for their excellent work in managing, maintaining and renovating their respective temples.
He noted that there are many temples in Batu Kawa, which are not only important cultural and heritage sites for the Chinese community but also serve as gathering places for the local community.
He said he wants to see that these temple committees frequently organise activities such as deity birthday celebrations, Hungry Ghost Festival offerings, charitable events and temple management meetings.
"These initiatives help preserve ethnic harmony, promote neighborliness and strengthen community unity," he said after personally distributing Sarawak Government grants to temples in the area over the past two days.
The temples are Persatuan Penganut Kuil Zhen Jun Di, Persatuan Buddhist Tze Yein Sungai Moyan Batu Kawa, Fook-Ted Temple Sejijak Batu Kawa, Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Kuil Voon Fah Kiong, Segubang, Batu Kawa, Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association, Che Qian Khor Moral Up-Lifting Society, Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Fatt Chu Sheng Khiun Kuching, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Wu Xuan Dai Di, P.P.K Tze Yin Yun Vun Kiung K.C.S Batu Kawa, Persatuan Penyokong Kuil Fu Bao Gong Batu Kawa Kuching, Kuil Nam Fah Tian, Kuil Ying Yuan, Hian Shing Khioong Committee, Kuil Soon Lee, Sungai Tapang, Batu Kawa, Sungai Tapang Chinese Taipakong Temple, Persatuan Penganut Buddha Chang Phin San, Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Kuil Ngee Boon Kiung, Persatuan Penganut Taoist Feng Huo Yen Kuching and Lo San Miaw.
Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawa State Legislative Member (SLM), explained that the Sarawak government grants are intended to support activities organized by temple committees and to help cover operational expenses. stating that for major repair works, temple committees may apply for additional funding from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
He added that as long as the necessary requirements are fulfilled, including ownership of the temple land by the temple committee, applications for substantial repair or expansion projects would generally be approved by UNIFOR.
“For example, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Wu Xuan Dai Di received over RM2 million from UNIFOR, successfully completing its project. The recent expansion of the Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association and many other projects also received support from UNIFOR.”
Dr Sim stated that the Sarawak government is grateful for the cooperation and mutual respect among the various communities in Sarawak as this harmony allows the government to focus on Sarawak’s economic growth and development rather than resolving community issues.
He noted that recent incidents in Selangor and Pahang, where guidelines restricting religious activities and buildings were introduced, have drawn national concern.
Dr Sim emphasised that Sarawak’s strength lies in its diversity and the mutual respect shared among people of different races and religions.
“As Sarawakians, we must continue to safeguard our tradition of moderation, respect and inclusiveness. We must never allow racial or religious extremism to divide us,” he said.
He added that the Sarawak government will continue to uphold the principles of religious freedom and support the legitimate needs of all faiths, ensuring that every community can practise its beliefs peacefully and contribute to Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.
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