THE Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has collected a total of RM252,934 during this year’s Thaipusam celebration.
The amount was announced by its commissioner, A. Kumaresan, who is also the Batu Uban assemblyman, following the completion of the ‘undiyal’ (donation box) counting process today. The counting took place from 9am to 3pm at Komtar.
According to Kumaresan, RM132,665 was collected during the Golden Chariot procession and RM120,269 at the Waterfall Hilltop Temple.
Kumaresan said the total amount excludes foreign currencies and other monetary items, which will be sent to the bank for verification.
He also added that the Golden Chariot received 26.72 grammes of gold, while the Waterfall Hilltop Temple received 10.65 grammes of gold.
“This counting process was carried out by PHEB staff together with volunteers comprising government servants and members of the public, and was done with integrity and transparency.
“The donations collected from the Golden Chariot procession will be channelled towards education and welfare purposes.
“Meanwhile, the temple collection will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, as well as for its management,” Kumaresan said.
He also announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has allocated RM1.5 million to PHEB for the construction of a crematorium in Bagan, Butterworth.
“This reflects the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring the welfare and well-being of the Hindu community in Penang and Malaysia as a whole.
“We also express our gratitude to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for his contribution of RM240,000 towards this year’s Thaipusam celebration.
“Additionally, we would like to thank Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong for channelling RM100,000 to support the celebration.
“The cooperation, support, and contributions from all parties are deeply appreciated and serve as a symbol of unity and harmony among the multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities in Penang,” he added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud