KUCHING: A chapel has been opened at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan, the first of its kind in a government hospital in Malaysia.

       Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Simon Poh said the Sacred Heart Chapel reflected Sarawak's multicultural harmony and would be a role model for the rest of the country.

       "This chapel symbolises that we in Sarawak are people of unity, mutual respect and acceptance. Let us continue to build this," he said when blessing the chapel at its opening on March 4.

       Poh said the chapel was not meant to be used by Christians only and a prayer space had been partitioned for those of other faiths.

       "Covid-19 has taught us that the pandemic does not distinguish between race, religion or status.

       "So I'm happy that this chapel is a place for prayer, where those who are ill can find peace and rest and God-willing find healing for the body," he said.

       According to Poh, the Catholic Church had been conducting a monthly mass at the hospital since 2015 upon requests from its Christian staff and patients, usually in a small room or along a corridor.

       Seeing the need for a bigger space, Sarawak Heart Centre director Dr Mohd Asri Riffin agreed for the chapel to be built and planning began in 2019 with support from Sarawak's Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).

       In his speech, Dr Asri said the chapel was a place of worship for patients and staff in the spirit of harmony and mutual respect.

       “I believe that every religion teaches people to love and respect each other.

       "Sarawak, as a state of multiple races and religions, requires mutual respect and tolerance. This is a great example for the world," he said.

       Unifor director Richard Lon said the chapel was an inclusive initiative that provided a place for people of all faiths to pray in times of need.

       He said there were plans to set up similar facilities in other hospitals in Sarawak with assistance from local organisations and communities.

       Unifor gave a grant of RM280,000 for the Sacred Heart Chapel while the Catholic Church contributed RM100,000.

       A monthly mass will be conducted at the chapel, while anyone may enter and pray at other times. It is open on weekdays from 8am to 5pm.