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Sikh community gets RM3.5 mln

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Abang Johari hands over the mock cheque to Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira for the extension of the present temple. Loking on from right are Dr Babita Kaur, Gurdev Singh, Dr Ngenang Jangu, Sardara Singh and Dr Sim Kui Hian. Photo: Ramidi Subari

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has allocated RM3.5 million to the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association to build a new building block near the present Kuching Sikh Temple at Jalan Masjid here.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said with the contribution from the government, the Sikh community could proceed with the expansion works.

“Previously we alienated a piece of land adjacent to the present site of this temple. It is for you to expand your building and provide better facilities to the Sikh community, particularly in education.

“I have agreed to help so you can continue with the extension. And this will definitely benefit the society at large,” he said during the ‘Get Together With Sikh Community and Vaisakhi 2019’ at the Kuching Sikh Temple here, yesterday.

Abang Johari hands over the mock cheque to Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira for the extension of the present temple. Loking on from right are Dr Babita Kaur, Gurdev Singh, Dr Ngenang Jangu, Sardara Singh and Dr Sim Kui Hian. Photo: Ramidi Subari

Abang Johari also said he sees the expansion project as important to the younger and future generations.

Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the designs and planning for the new building block had been done.

“It encompasses a floor for a Punjabi school, a multipurpose hall, library, residential rooms and other amenities for the congregation and community,” he said.

He added that the new building block would be linked by bridges to the existing building which is now more than 100 years old.

“When we started to plan for the extension, our main objective was for our children and youths.

“We need to plan to develop the community in the coming years and that the new building block will be able to house facilities and amenities needed,” he pointed out.

He added that once everything is finalised, the construction of the new building block is expected to complete in 15 to 18 months.

Earlier on Abang Johari presented the cheque for RM3.5 million to Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira.

Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Sarawak director Datuk Dr Ngenang Jangu.

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