STATE Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, through his allocation, contributed RM200,000 to the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang to assist with its ongoing conservation and restoration works.
Regarded as one of the oldest Gurdwaras’ in the country, Jagdeep said it was important to avoid delays in the ongoing works for the benefit of the people, while working towards getting the building to be recognised as a national heritage building.
“I am glad to be here today to monitor the progress of the works being done and also to contribute RM200,000 from my exco’s allocation.
“The Sikh community is not a big community but a strong community not only in Malaysia but throughout the world.
“There will not be any more delays on this project.
“We are trying our best to restore the original shape of the building if not better. I would like to thank the restoration committee for their hard work to raise funds as well.
“We are looking at about 15 to 18 months to complete the project, and hope by 2024, we can officially announce the completion,” Jagdeep said during the mock cheque presentation ceremony at the temple on June 7.
It was learnt that the expected budget to complete the project is RM6 million.
Conservation and Restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang chairman Datuk Seri Mahinder Singh Dulku said as of now, some RM1.5 million had already been raised through various donations and initiatives by the temple.
“We will be hosting a heritage dinner on Oct 8, in which we hope to raise RM2 million to aid this project,” Mahinder said.
Also present during the event was Jagdeep’s mother, Datin Seri Utama Gurmit Kaur.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal