By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — The UNIFOR COMPLEX at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee stands out as another landmark for the people in Kuching. Built on a 3.19-acre site, it was officially opened on Apr 26 2026 by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the minister in charge of UNIFOR and chairman of the Unifor Charitable Trust, said the architecture of the complex building “embodies the concept of unity”, and the timely completion “a testament of our unique Sarawak values of harmony, tolerance and shared prosperity.”
The 10-storey UNIFOR COMPLEX building costs RM75.633 million and has a banquet hall that can accommodate 1000 people, 9-storey office tower, eight levels of office space of 6,932 square feet each, one level of executive lounge and two function rooms, as well as a scenic rooftop garden.
Nine retail outlets will be open for business soon. Parking space is limited as there are only 286 parking bays. There are plans to build a multi-storey parking area.
According to the deputy premier, the Unifor complex will serve as a “vibrant platform where different houses of worship come together, interact and foster dialogue in deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the bond of respect among our diverse communities.” Hence, the ninth floor with two function rooms and the rooftop garden on the tenth floor will be made available for their use … for free.
UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions) through the Sarawak Unit for Other Religions Charitable Trust (SUCT) which was formed “to facilitate and undertake the economic and social development and well-being of the non-Muslim community in the state” has been allocated RM30 million this year to assist 155 mission schools, mostly in rural areas, in their performance-achievement programs, including granting financial assistance or loans to non-Muslim individuals for education purposes.
In concluding his welcome speech, Datuk Amar Douglas reminded everyone of their commitment to “preserve peace and unity that makes Sarawak truly unique.”
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, before initiating the official opening ceremony with the aid of an AI robot, spoke on the importance of human resource development and the need to live in harmony through mutual respect, irrespective of race or religion.
Sarawak is the only state that has pledged free tertiary education to all “anak Sarawak”, believing in “social inclusivity” and that everyone “is equal”.
Also present at the official opening of the UNIFOR COMPLEX were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Unifor Director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, Charitable Trust CEO John Kennedy Janang, and Interfaith leaders in the state. – Today’s Catholic
