RM5.06 mln for Sarawak Hindus to build temples since 2017, says Premier

KUCHING (Nov 20): The Sarawak government has since 2017 granted and disbursed a sum of RM5.06 million to the state’s Indian Hindu community to assist in their temple infrastructure projects, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Sarawak Premier said the funds were in recognition of the community’s contributions to the state, adding that the government is committed to providing support to all groups regardless of race, religion or background.

“It is our intention to continue to provide adequate support to all vulnerable groups, and we are grateful to have calibre non-governmental organisations representing the Indian community such as Malaysia Hindu Sangam Sarawak Council and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) which are committed to complementing the state’s efforts,” he said.

The text of Abang Johari’s speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who represented the premier at the Deepavali Open House 2023 celebration at the Iskcon multipurpose hall in Batu Kawa, here Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Iskcon president Kripa Sindhu Krishna Das in his opening speech expressed the community’s hope for the Sarawak government to recognise Deepavali as a state public holiday.

“We humbly request to bring this message to the premier, to consider having Deepavali as a public holiday in Sarawak. We believe that one day, Sarawak will have a public holiday for Deepavali,” he said.

At present, Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that does not observe Deepavali as a public holiday.

Among those present at the Deepavali Open House were state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, and Unit for Other Religions director Datu Jack Aman Luat.