PENAMPANG – The upgrading of St. Michael’s Church, the oldest church building in the district, is going smoothly, thanks to contributions from individuals as well as government allocations from both the federal and state.
The latest pledge came from the state government with an allocation of RM100,000, a letter stating the amount has been given, was handed over to the Rector of the Penampang Catholic Mission, Father Fundes Motiung.
Barisan Nasional Penampang chief, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin who handed over the pledge letters to Fr Fundes as well as the heads of four other churches/chapels in the district, said:
“Being a Catholic myself, I am very happy that the State government has never ignored the community in Penampang.
“Apart from St. Michael, there is also an allocation of RM50,000 for St. Paul’s, Dontozidon, RM20,000 for Church of Divine Mercy, Maang, RM20,000 for St. Marcellinus, Minintod and RM10,000 for St. Patrick, Buayan”.
The State government has a set amount in its annual budget to assist the all religious bodies and the Catholic Church has never been left out, said Donald.
“On behalf of the Catholic community in Penampang, I would like to thank the Chief Minister and the State government,” he said in a statement.
“I would also like to express our appreciation to Datuk Teo Chee Kang who is the Chairman of the Aid to Non-Muslim Bodies Committee,” added Donald.
