THE century-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib received a significant boost last night as the Penang government reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation and full restoration of the historic Sikh temple during a fundraising dinner held at Berjaya Hotel Penang today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo were among the guests who attended the event, which brought together Malaysians from diverse backgrounds in support of one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Sikh heritage institutions.
Chow, in his speech, described the gathering as “deeply meaningful,” noting that the Wadda Gurdwara is more than just a religious site.
“We are here not just for a fundraising effort, but for a cause rooted in history, faith, and community spirit, the conservation and restoration of the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib,” he said.
He reminded attendees of the temple’s rich origins, dating back to the early days of Fort Cornwallis and later recognised in 1903 as the oldest Gurdwara in Southeast Asia.
“It’s story carries both honour and responsibility,” Chow said, adding that the foundation of the temple was built on sacrifice.
“In the late 1800s, Sikh personnel serving under the Malay States Guides and the First Battalion Perak Sikh donated an entire month’s salary to help build this Gurdwara.
“That kind of spirit of giving is what has shaped Penang’s resilience, unity, and character through the decades,” he remarked.
Chow reaffirmed the state government’s longstanding partnership with the Sikh community, highlighting that nearly RM500,000 had been channelled since 2024 towards preservation works.
He also announced that the state will maintain its support for the restoration effort, including a fresh allocation of RM200,000 for the ongoing works.
Looking ahead, Chow said the 2026 State Budget includes RM5 million to support non-Muslim houses of worship across Penang, aside from existing allocations under the Non-Islamic Affairs Committee and the RIBI Trust Account. As of September 2025, 77 houses of worship have benefitted from state support.
Chow also emphasised Penang’s wider heritage preservation efforts through George Town World Heritage Incorporated.
“Since 2024, we have recorded 82 Category 1 heritage buildings and sites, the highest level of recognition, including important religious and cultural landmarks such as this Gurdwara,” he said.
He praised the strong public response to the Wadda Gurdwara restoration appeal, noting that RM3.5 million has already been raised out of the estimated RM6.1 million needed.
“This is truly heartening. It shows that this Gurdwara does not stand alone, the community stands with it,” Chow said, expressing confidence that the restoration could be completed before 14 April 2026, in time for the Vasakhi celebration.
Meanwhile, Jagdeep contributed RM50,000 to the effort, expressing pride in supporting a heritage site that has long served the Sikh community and Penang as a whole.
Chow concluded by urging continued support from all quarters.
“Every ringgit, every gesture of support brings us one step closer to preserving this cherished symbol of faith, heritage, and unity for generations to come. The Penang government will continue to walk beside you on this journey,” he said.
Among others present were state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan