In a month traditionally dedicated to missionary activity, the Malaysian Archbishop remarked that “the Church has intensified her ministry in the field of education as an important means of evangelisation, and to spread the values of the Gospel in Malaysia”.

“Catholic schools and universities have helped to grow and strengthen especially rural communities through adequate education in Sarawak State and in many other parts of the country,” he explained.

Currently, there are 127 missionary schools in Sarawak with 113 primary schools and 14 secondary schools, mainly in the Kuching, Sibu and Miri divisions.
Of the total primary schools, there are 57 Catholic, 45 Anglican and 5 Methodist schools; while in secondary schools, 7 are run by the Roman Catholic Church, 5 by the Anglican Church and 2 by the Methodist Church. Besides, there are 92 crèches managed by the three Christian denominations.

The Federation of Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. Its population is made up of nearly 32.7 million people, 60% of whom are Muslims, but in the State of Sarawak, Christians are in the majority when compared to Muslims. In this state 42% are Christians and 32% are Muslims. This is the rationale behind why the Church can be involved in the eduction of children and young adults.

Source: Fides.org