A priest at the St Theresa's church in Sabah's interior Tambunan district is grateful for the RM1mil allocation from the state government.

The parish's priest Father Rudolf Joannes said with the funds, construction of the new church building can expect to start by the end of the year or early 2020.

He said this after Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal announced an allocation of RM1mil for the refurbishment of the church during a visit there Saturday (July 20).

"I hope no one will politicise this RM1mil contribution for the construction of our new church building. We should be thankful for every help that we get, we should appreciate all the good that comes to us and our church. Let us work together for our church, in times of difficulty as well as during great times," he added.