THE presence of St. Peter’s Church in Padungan, among other religious houses in proximity, is a powerful testament to the religious harmony and unity that Sarawak is so proud to uphold, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“This is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted faith," he said, as he congratulated the Catholic community on the successful completion of the iconic house of worship.
According to reports in Borneo Post, Abang Johari's speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Sarawak government also contributed an additional RM1 million to the building fund of St Peter’s Church, marking the final financial boost needed to complete the RM38 million construction of the new church.
The cheque was handed over during the church’s official opening ceremony today, in a gesture of continued support for religious harmony and development in the state.
The church’s completion was made possible through a combination of donations, government funding, and community support, with much of the fundraising effort taking place amid the challenges of the pandemic.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Dr Simon Poh noted that support had come not just from Catholics but from many other communities and faiths in Sarawak.
“This church stands more than just the church for the Catholic because people from all walks of life are looking and saying wow this is in Kuching. It’s amazing that we don’t need to go to Europe to see a very nice church here,” he said.
Poh said the church had become a new landmark symbolising unity and mutual respect among Sarawakians. – June 28, 2025
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