KUCHING: The Sikh community has played its important role in the progress and development of the country, including in Sarawak despite having a small population in the state.
Sarawak Sikh Temple Association President Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the united community has a long history in Sarawak while the Sikh Temple or Gurdwara has been in Kuching since the early 1900s.
He said it started from a wooden structure at the start, a new building as present was constructed in the early 1980s.
“We have envisaged the expansion of the present building to serve the future needs and the further development and progress of the Sikh community in the coming years.
“Thus, we are very grateful to our respected Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Sarawak State Government, for approving the alienation of the adjacent land and also allocated significant funding aid for the construction of the new building.
“This was indeed a valuable gift for the community,” he said at the earth breaking ceremony for the extension building at Gurdwara Sahib, which was officiated by Abang Johari here today.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui hian, were among those present at the ceremony.
For the Sikhs, Dr Kalwinder said, the Gurdwara was not only a place for prayers but also functions as a community centre, a school, recreational centre and also a meeting point for all members of the community.
He said the new three-storey building encompasses a floor for the Punjabi school, a multipurpose hall, library, residential rooms and other amenities for the congregation and community.
The new block would be joined to the existing block by bridges on the first and second floors with a garden in between the two blocks.
“It is hoped that the new look building will be an iconic landmark in the city centre once completed and also a tourist attraction,” he said.
He added that the COVID-19 had affected the plan, including increase in costing of the building as well as a slight delay to kick-start the project.
However, the community was happy that Abang Johari had personally looked into and settled almost all our major requests and applications.
“This is something the community is very thankful for and shows that the Premier and the State Government cares for all communities in the state,” he said.
