SIBU: The Sibu Sikh Temple Association’s Gurdwara Hostel has been declared open. “The hostel is for devotees following the Akhand Path with continuous recital of the Sikh scripture,” Sri Guru Granth Sahibji said.
Devotees of the Akhand Path can stay for three days and two nights, especially those reciting the Guru Granth Sahibji (SGGS). The hostel is also for devotees during visits, including those from Kuching, Miri
and Sabah — those directly involved in Sibu Gurdwara activities.
The hostel building plan was mooted in 2011 to fully utilise the empty land in the rear of Sibu Gurdwara.
Education and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee, who is also Housing and Public Health Assistant Minister, has been supportive of the renovation of the Gurdwara building to preserve its old brick and wood structure.
“This also helps other religions, particularly the development of churches and temples in the whole of Sarawak,” said Dr Annuar during his speech.
The project wasn’t big as the amount allocated for it was RM200,000 which was part of a rural transformation programme.
The hostel units are like mini apartments with each having two bedrooms, one living room, a kitchen and a toilet-cum-bathroom. The building has a separate road and gate at the rear of Gurdwara and connected to the nearby circular road. The building plan was done by JKR engineers and architects after mid-2018. The project approval was made last January; the work commenced in February and in July it was completed.
Also present was Sibu Sikh Temple president Jagjiwan Singh.
