PONTIAN Gurdwara Sahib, Johor, will soon have hostel facilities with en-suite rooms and air conditioning.
Its chairman Ajit Singh Johl said the building, initially estimated to cost about RM1.68mil, would be connected to the existing gurdwara building.
“Due to the conflict in the Middle East, the construction cost is expected to be higher than our initial estimate, but I believe we will be able to secure funding.
“The hostel will provide accommodation for outstation devotees visiting the gurdwara, as well as a space for the Sikh community from across the country to conduct programmes.
“As a start, we plan to have about 18 rooms, with each able to accommodate four people,” Ajit said in an interview.
Twelve rooms would be made available for devotees to stay at a minimum rate of RM50 per night, he said, which would cover operational costs.
“The remaining rooms will be kept aside for the gurdwara, including accommodation for priests.”
To fund the project, Ajit said the gurdwara committee kick-started several donation drives, including collecting pledges from the Sikh community.
“Sikhs from Malaysia and Singapore have pledged to contribute about RM5,000 each once construction begins.
“We have also received pledges from those from Pontian who have migrated to other countries, such as the US,” he said, adding that over 100 pledges have been received.
Ajit said under the initiative dubbed “Pay it Forward”, RM3,000 from each pledge would go towards the hostel, and RM2,000 would be set aside for one Sri Akhand Path Sahib (continuous recitation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib holy scripture) prayer session for the donor.
“We have also received government assistance, including a recent RM300,000 special allocation from the state government.
“We are grateful for the contribution and hope to have enough funds to begin the project by next year, and have it completed by 2029,” he said.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced a special allocation for the project and several other initiatives for the Johor Sikh community, worth over RM1.8mil, during the state-level Vaisakhi celebration.
