KUCHING (Nov 13): The St Thomas Columbarium, a new facility to serve Kuching’s Christian community, is set to be completed by the end of next year, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
According to him, the RM8.5 million project, currently 60 per cent completed, will provide 9,000 niches for storing the ashes of the deceased while the facility will also meet the growing demand for columbarium spaces in Kuching.
“This project, valued at RM8.5 million, is on track for completion by the end of next year.
“It will offer 9,000 niches to support the needs of the Christian community in Kuching,” he said during a cheque presentation ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex, where Uggah handed over RM2.1 million from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to Bishop Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute for the project.
This allocation forms part of a final RM110 million package for Unifor from Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for 2024.
The columbarium, located between St. Thomas’ School and the old Sarawak Museum, is on the site of an Anglican cemetery, preserving a connection with the city’s heritage.
Danald also shared that the facility will serve a wider Christian community and not be limited to Anglicans alone.
“We have reached out to other church leaders through the Association of Churches, and this columbarium will be open to all.
“We want to ensure all who need a dignified resting place for their loved ones will have one,” he said.
Danald said the need for a new columbarium has grown as the Roman Catholic St. Peter’s Columbarium nears full capacity.
With the support of the Sarawak government, he said the St. Thomas Columbarium aims to fulfil this demand in the years to come.
Danald also expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance, saying that the project is a significant step toward serving our community.
“We are deeply thankful to the Sarawak government for helping make this vision a reality,” he said.