It is the largest allocation of its kind so far, according to chief minister Hajiji Noor.

“The amount is the biggest ever approved by the Sabah government and this reflects our sincerity to ensure the welfare of all races and religions in the state will be taken care of,” he said.

This amount is part of the RM164.12 million allocated by the government for the implementation of educational and religious development programmes under this year’s state budget.

Hajiji said the funds would be channelled to government agencies and religious and educational bodies as part of Sabah’s efforts to enhance the quality of human capital and ensure the people’s well-being.

“The allocation will benefit all religions and races in the state,” he said in his speech that was delivered by state local government and housing minister Masidi Manjun at the presentation ceremony of financial assistance to vernacular and mission schools, churches and temples at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.

Hajiji said the state government allocated RM43 million for non-Muslim religious bodies, vernacular, mission and independent schools in Sabah last year.

He added that the state also approved a total of RM24.99 million for the construction and repair of non-Muslim houses of worship.

Meanwhile, the Sabah government also allocated RM1 million for lion dance heads that will be distributed to the various associations and lion dance troupes in conjunction with Chinese New Year throughout the state.