The oldest Gurduwara in the country, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang received a much needed contribution of RM200,000 towards the restoration works currently underway.
State Exco for Local Government, Town and Country Planning YB Jagdeep Singh Deo was on hand to present the mock cheque accompanied by his mother Datin Seri Utama Gurmit Kaur.
Also present was the restoration committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahinder Singh, committee members along with well-wishers, Gulab Rai (general manager Hotel Neo+ Penang) and Dato Rethinam Pillay (Entrepreneur).
The Gurduwara was founded in 1902 and work is also being done to get the building recognised as a national heritage building (Category 1).
“I am here today to oversee restoration work in progress at the oldest Gurdwara in Malaysia. I also would like to thank the restoration committee for the hard work to raise funds.
“The Sikh community is not a big community but a strong community not only in Malaysia but beyond Malaysia. There will not be any more delay on this project.
“We are looking at completing the project in another 15 to 18 months by 2024 or earlier. Due to the pandemic and rising costs, the expected budget is RM6 million,” said Jagdeep at the mock cheque presentation ceremony.
Meanwhile, they will be hosting a heritage dinner Oct 8, 2022 to raise funds for around RM2 million.
“With the recognition of the state government for the Sikh community, we have put up Gurduwaras in Bayan Baru and Seberang Jaya. We are also looking forward to completing Fort Cornwallis where there is a small room for Sikh soldiers to worship during the British era,” he said.
Well done n TQ state government for the support to the community.