THE Johor government has announced a special RM1.8mil allocation for the Sikh community in the state.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the allocation included funding for gurdwaras (Sikh temples), Punjabi classes and Sikh non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“We will allocate RM100,000 to the Pontian gurdwara on top of a special allocation worth RM300,000.
“The Johor Baru gurdwara will receive a RM200,000 allocation as well as an additional special allocation worth RM250,000,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said this in his speech during a Johor Vaisakhi celebration at the Gurdwara Sahib Pontian recently.
He added that the Kluang, Batu Pahat, Muar and Segamat gurdwaras would also receive RM100,000 each.
“A total of RM200,000 will also be allocated through Yayasan Pelajaran Johor for Punjabi classes and as assistance for Sikh students.
“The Johor Sikh Sports Club will receive RM200,000, while the Johor Sikh Union and Johor Sikh Association will each receive RM100,000,” he added.
Onn Hafiz said the state government wanted to ensure all Johoreans, regardless of race or religion, could live a comfortable life.
“Those who know me know that this is not something new, as the state government has announced good news for the Sikh community every year.
“From the first year I became the Mentri Besar, the state government has allocated a total of RM5mil for the Sikh community in Johor.
“This is not a political ploy or a political gimmick, but it is sincerely from the government for all Johoreans,” he said.
Also present at the event were Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation managing trustee Datuk Avinderjit Singh and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan, who is Pontian MP.
The celebration also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Gurdwara Sahib Pontian.
