KUCHING: The re-construction of the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple with its 18-metre-tall ‘Raja Gopuram’ (monumental entrance tower) is progressing steadily.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Committee president Shankar Ram Asnani said the re-construction works first started after the ‘Bumi Puja’ (land worship ceremony) on Jan 21 this year.
“The construction was then delayed several months due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Soon thereafter, our contractors caught up with the works,” he said today.
He also took the opportunity to thank the committee members and relevant parties for their selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the temple.
“Although we are a small community, we now can have a nice temple,” he stated.
He also conveyed deep appreciation to the Sarawak government and the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for the RM2.3 mil contribution towards the construction costs of the new temple.
He also expressed his gratitude to Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, businessman Datuk Richard Wee and wife Datin Dona Drury Wee as well as Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“As part of our culture of accountability and transparency, we have been furnishing the authorities with our temple accounts regularly and we report back on the progress of works and the claims made,” he disclosed.
At the same time, he wished Sarawakians and members and friends of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple a very auspicious Deepavali.
