KUCHING: The state’s Sikh community is not being neglected in terms of development despite being a small ethnic group.
The Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira noted that the ethnic group is made up of fewer than 1,000 people scattered throughout the state, especially in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
“The Sikhs have been in the state since the 1900s. They are different from the Hindus but this is an auspicious day so we also get together (with the Hindus) to celebrate Deepavali,” he said.
He said this after receiving Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who made a Deepavali visit to his residence, yesterday.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah; and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
Speaking to reporters, Khaira commended the state government for its efforts to assist in developing the Sikhs especially in the expansion of their temple here.
Recently, the state government has alienated a piece of land (adjacent to the temple) at Jalan Masjid and allocated RM3.5 million to extend the building.
“We will be starting the construction project by next year. So basically, we are planning for the future.
“The new building will include a library, a hall and other education facilities.
“Apart from that, we are paying extra attention to make sure it becomes a landmark because that area is now being developed as a heritage area in line with the construction of new heritage buildings such as Sarawak Museum Complex and Hikmah Exchange,” he said.
He added that the Sikh Temple in Miri will also undergo an expansion project, adding that the community will continue to develop their own for their next generations to come.
