The restoration of Penang’s 125-year-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, the oldest gurdwara in Malaysia, has received a RM1mil boost from Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah.
The contribution helped complete the RM6.1mil conservation project ahead of its reopening on Sept 12, which was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, alongside Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim.
Founded in 1901, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib is a Category One heritage building within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site and an enduring symbol of Penang’s multicultural heritage.
Category One is the highest classification under George Town’s heritage conservation framework, covering buildings and sites of exceptional significance to the city’s historic and cultural landscape.
Skilled artisans from India worked alongside local heritage experts to conserve its limestone walls, timber structures and distinctive architectural features while addressing structural damage sustained over the years.
Jagdeep said the restoration would ensure that an important part of the state’s history was preserved for future generations.
“Penang is proud to preserve landmarks such as Wadda Gurdwara Sahib, which embodies our shared multicultural heritage,” said Jagdeep.
“We are deeply grateful to Cheah for his generosity in supporting this restoration.
“His contribution reflects a commitment to inclusivity and unity, ensuring that this gurdwara remains a beacon of faith and harmony for generations to come,” he added.
The Penang Government contributed RM1mil towards the restoration project in April 2024, while another RM600,000 was raised at a fundraising dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
With a capacity for 400 people, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang provides free daily meals, known as langar, to people of all backgrounds and serves as a hub for educational, health and community outreach programmes.
Its community hall offers a library, health screenings and other initiatives.
A commemorative plaque and the community hall within the temple bear Cheah’s name in recognition of his contribution.
Cheah said the donation reflected his belief that preserving the country’s heritage strengthened the bonds uniting Malaysians.
“George Town is one of the world’s great historic cities, shaped over generations by people of different faiths and cultures.
“Its unique architecture tells the story of the many communities that built this city together.
“I hope the restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang will help preserve this legacy, so that the Malaysia our children inherit continues to reflect the unity, generosity and mutual respect that have always been among our nation’s greatest strengths,” he added.
Temple president and Conservation and Restoration Committee chairman Datuk Santok Singh described Cheah as a role model for unity in Malaysia’s multiracial society.
“Cheah’s contribution reflects his sincere belief that Malaysia’s diversity is a strength to be cherished and that every community has a place in our shared national story,” Santok said.
“We regard him as a role model whose generosity sends a powerful message that preserving the heritage of any one community enriches our nation as a whole and strengthens the unity that binds all Malaysians,” Santok added.
The official ceremony formed part of a three-day grand opening programme from Sept 12 to 14.
It began with prayers followed by a commemorative plaque signing and a tour of an exhibition tracing the gurdwara’s 125-year history.
The RM1mil contribution builds on Cheah’s longstanding commitment to nation-building through education and community development.
Through the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, he has endowed over RM4bil in assets to advance education in perpetuity.
The Foundation has also awarded close to RM1.1bil in scholarships and grants, helping to make high-quality education accessible to many students.
