Sikh temple gets RM3.5 million for expansion project

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Abang Johari presents the cheque to Dr Kalwinder. Dr Sim is at third left (partly obscured) while Ngenang at third right. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg presented a cheque for RM3.5 million to the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association, in conjunction with the Vaisakhi 2019 celebration yesterday.

The chief minister gave the cheque to association president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira for its building expansion project.

Abang Johari, who is Satok assemblyman, said the project would benefit the Sikh community in that more facilities would be provided for them.

“We have alienated the land (adjacent to the temple) to the Sikh community to extend their building and provide all facilities to the community, including a library for education.

“This will benefit not just the Sikh community, but the society at large,” he said in launching the ‘Get Together With The Sikh Community and Vaisakhi 2019’ event at the temple along Jalan Masjid here.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak government appreciated the contributions of the Sikh community towards social development in Sarawak.

“The Sikh community is not new to me. I grew up in a village and I used to pass by this road (Jalan Masjid), looking at this place (the temple), which is now a pleasant building.”

He said the area where the temple was situated at, would change in the next five to 10 years.

“We want Kuching to be more environment-friendly, and we want to reduce carbon emission. “That is why we go for hydrogen buses, which will contribute to good environment in Kuching,” he added.

Meanwhile Dr Kalwinder said the design for the new building had reached completion.

“It encompasses a floor for a Punjabi school, a multipurpose hall, a library, residential rooms and other amenities for the congregation and community,” he said, adding that the new block would be joined to the existing block via bridges.

“The Gurdwara Sahib building sits in the centre of the city, in the (Kuching) Old Heritage area.

“Once all plans are approved, we hope that we could start construction as soon as possible, and complete it in 15 to 18 months.”

Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Sarawak director Datuk Dr Ngenang Jangu were among those present at the event.