MIRI: The Miri Hindu Society (MHS) will soon have a temple built on land granted to them by the state government.
“This piece of land is proof that the government does whatever it can to grant requests,” Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin told reporters at the prayers and offering ceremony at the site in Taman Tunku here yesterday.
Lee said the government does its best to grant the requests channeled to it, though the process could take some time.
“But sooner or later, the request is granted, especially when it concerns religious purposes.
“The government always views religious purposes in Sarawak as important, which explains why the unity and peace in the state are strong,” he said.
Following the ceremony, Lee performed the earth-breaking to symbolise the commencement of construction at the one-acre site.
“Finally, you will have a temple once the construction is completed, and I am very proud of everyone, especially the Hindus here,” he said.
Lee also presented RM20,000 to the society to carry out the project.
Meanwhile, MHS president Selvaraj Grapragasem said the construction would be carried out in three stages.
The first phase is expected to cost RM230,000 and will be completed in five months, while the overall cost of the entire project would be RM500,000.
“Once completed, it will be able to cater to the religious needs of over 1,000 Hindus in the community,” he said.