The Indian Heritage Centre sits within the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple grounds in Johor Baru.
JOHOR will soon have its own Indian Heritage Centre in the heart of Johor Baru to highlight the community’s rich culture and history.
The RM1.5mil building sits within the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple grounds and is expected to be opened by October.
Temple president V. Raja Selan said construction of the two-storey building started in 2019 and was completed in August 2021.
“There was a delay in the centre’s construction and opening due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We look forward to finally opening the centre to the public, including tourists,” he said.
He also said that admission would be free of charge for the first six months as the entrance fee had yet to be finalised.
According to Raja Selan, the heritage centre was also set to be the first of its kind in the country.
“This is the first such centre in Malaysia to be fully funded and managed by a temple.
“There is a similar centre in Penang but it is under the state government,” he said.
Raja Selan hoped that the heritage centre would be able to enlighten the public.
He also said that the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam was the oldest Hindu temple in Johor.
The RM1.5mil fund for the heritage centre came from the temple as well as public and former Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, who donated RM200,000.
“We have also received donations of artefacts and memorabilia from the public to be displayed at the heritage centre.
“There are more than 100 such items in the centre depicting the history of the Indian community in Malaysia,” said Raja Selan.
State tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said the centre was set to be an attractive tourist spot for those interested to learn more about Indian culture.
“The state government will support the temple’s initiative and extend a helping hand,” he added.
