AFTER almost 120 years, the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Jalan Gurdwara is working on conserving and restoring the heritage building.
Of recent, the condition of gurdwara has deteriorated with visible cracks all over the building, causing grave concerns and anxiety to its community.
The estimate cost for the restoration works is around RM3 million.
Wadda Gurdwara Sahib president Daljit Singh said the gurdwara had not undergone any restoration work since it was constructed.
The construction of the gurdwara, then called the ‘Diamond Jubilee Sikh Temple’, started with the laying of the foundation stone on June 3, 1901.
“The aging structure is giving way now and need much attention. We hope that the Penang government and the community can support us to restore this gurdwara.
“This gurdwara is a legacy to be preserved,” Daljit said in his speech at the gurdwara today.
He also spoke on several issues faced by the Sikh community. Issues pertaining to the lack of parking spaces for the devotees at the gurdwara, land titles of the gurdwara and the Sikh crematorium which is situated on a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) land in Lorong Batu Lancang.
The gurdwara Conservation and Restoration Committee chairman Datuk Mahinder Singh Dulku hoped that Malaysians would contribute generously to assist the gurdwara.
“I hope that this gurdwara can be the pearl of all gurdwaras,” he said.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said that since 2008, much attention was given to the Sikh community.
“The state government supported the construction of the new building, located behind this gurdwara when it was built in 2014.
“We also supported the gurdwara in Bayan Baru and in Seberang Jaya on the mainland,” he said.
Jagdeep also assured the Sikh community that the TOL for the crematorium would continue as long as the Pakatan Harapan government remains the state government.
He also addressed the issue pertaining to the land titles of the gurdwara.
“The gurdwara is situated on a land with two land titles – one part is freehold and the other, leasehold.
“The lease is expiring in 2023 and the premium is very high; RM1.8 million according to the valuation made.
“This is because the location is prime and in George Town.
“I feel that the valuation, which was conducted based on market rate, was not justified. This is a place of worship for the community.
“I spoke to the Chief Minister and he agreed for the gurdwara to only pay a nominal fee of RM10,” he said.
Jagdeep later clarified that the state was planning to convert the leasehold title to freehold, and amalgamate both into one freehold title for the gurdwara.
Jagdeep also said that he would check on the land status beside the Veterinary Department which was left idle.
The gurdwara committee was hoping that the land could be used as parking lots for the devotees.
Jagdeep said the land is a Federal land and was earmarked for a project, but now left idle.
He announced a RM50,000 allocation from the state Non-Islamic Houses of Worship (RIBI) fund and another RM20,000 from his state executive council allocation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this was his first official visit to the gurdwara in his capacity as the Chief Minister of Penang.
“I am happy to grant a state allocation of RM200,000 to aid the restoration of the gurdwara, and an additional RM20,000 from my Tanjong MP allocation.
The gurdwara also contributed RM250,000 to the Conservation and Restoration Committee for the project.
The Conservation and Restoration Committee managed to raise a total of RM670,000 on the first day of the fund-raising campaign today.
Also present were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
A food fair, also known as ‘Food Mela’, will also be held on May 12 from 9am to 2pm at St Xavier’s Institution to raise fund for the project.
Over 30 stalls will be selling Punjabi delicacies, northern Indian food and local hawker food.
Call Sukhveer Kaur (012-4300497) or Podim (016-4628292) for more details.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alvie Cheng and Christopher Tan
Video by Law Suun Ting