KOTA KINABALU – Sabah DAP has urged the state government to disburse the remaining RM7 million in funds meant for churches, temples and other non-Islamic bodies.
State DAP secretary Chan Foong Hin, in a statement, said the allocation was made last year, when Warisan Plus was the state administration.
RM8 million was added to the RM35 million already in the fund during Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal’s time as chief minister, he said.
Chan said the period to apply for the aid has been extended to June 18 due to the movement control order.
“According to news reports, a total of RM19.7 million was disbursed on February 1 at a presentation ceremony at the State Administrative Centre.
“On December 16, RM16.92 million was distributed to the Sabah Council of Churches, also at the State Administrative Centre, making for a total of RM36.62 million.
“This means that there is about RM7 million in undistributed funds for non-Islamic bodies and schools out of the RM43 million allocated for 2020.”
The Kota Kinabalu MP said it is important for the monies to be distributed in full, and in a timely manner.
The aid should have been disbursed sooner last year, he said, but Covid-19 forced delays. – The Vibes, February 3, 2021