THE state government will contribute RM100,000 to the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang to assist with its ongoing conservation and restoration works.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the contribution was a token of appreciation to the Sikh community in Penang for their various efforts toward community building and social development.
“The state will be donating RM100,000 to the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang as a gesture of appreciation for its outstanding contribution to the community over the years.
“I am happy to be here to witness the progress of the gurdwara’s restoration work. The state will continue to assist other gurdwaras in Penang as well.
“We also recognise the diverse role played by the Sikh community and we value them,” Chow said when he attended the Vaisakhi festival at the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang today.
Chow also lauded the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang and other gurdwaras in the country for stepping forward to assist the community during the Covid-19 crisis.
“During the recent floods in Selangor and Pahang, the gurdwaras together with other volunteers assisted in the flood relief work.
“I am aware that Wadda Gurdawa Penang and Gurdwara Sahib Butterworth served as the northern drop-off points in their flood relief efforts.
“On this auspicious occasion, I would like to wish Happy Vaisakhi to the Sikh community and also Happy Tamil Year to the Tamil community,” Chow said.
Meanwhile, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the conservation and restoration project of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang is expected to be completed between 18 and 24 months.
“The Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang is a 121-year-old building that is unique to us in Penang.
“I would like to also contribute a total of RM50,000 for the project and we hope to see it getting completed soon.
“State executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng will be also contributing RM5,000 each to a total of six gurdwaras in Penang.
“The restoration and conservation work need to be done according to the guidelines,” he added.
Conservation and Restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang chairman Datuk Seri Mahinder Singh Dulku thanked the state government for its generous contribution to the project.
“The Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang is now considered a national heritage building and we are now waiting for it to be gazetted.
“The entire Sikh community in Penang should be proud that Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang is the first gurdwara in the country to be considered a national heritage site.
“So, let us all combine our efforts and contribute to the reconstruction of the building,” he said.
Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang chairman Santok Singh also thanked the state government for its continuous commitment to the Sikh community in Penang.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting