THE Penang government, through its non-Islamic places of worship (RIBI) fund, contributed a total of RM50,000 to the Sri Meenakshi Sundraeswar Temple for maintenance purposes.
Announcing the good news was state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, who walked into a warm reception, followed by a round of applause by temple committee members and devotees.
“I am 51 this year, and all of my life, I have good memories of this temple because I was living just down the road when I was young.
“It is hoped this contribution will be able to help the temple in its maintenance, such as repairing the temple door, wall and floor,” Jagdeep during a brief press conference at the temple today.
In view of the festival of lights (Deepavali) around the corner, Jagdeep distributed boxes of Indian cookies to devotees and committee members present.
Meanwhile, he also updated that since 2016, the RIBI fund had contributed a total of RM9,241,059.44 to assist churches, gurdwaras, Chinese and Hindu temples in Penang throughout all five districts.
“We have a balance of RM1.13 million remaining in the fund. With this, I would like to encourage eligible places of worship to apply for the fund,” he said.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal