ONE of South-East Asia’s oldest Sikh temples has begun a new chapter.
A RM6.1mil restoration has revived the grandeur of the 125-year-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang.
The Category One heritage building in George Town’s Jalan Gurdwara now gleams with a white exterior, golden dome and carefully restored architectural details.
Skilled artisans from India worked with local heritage experts to conserve its limestone walls, timber structures and other features, while repairing damage accumulated over the years.
Its large golden dome came from Amritsar in Punjab, India – the Sikh spiritual centre – while the floral and structural details were recreated by Tamil Nadu artisans.
Inside, the prayer hall or Darbar Sahib features intricate tiling and a royal blue carpet.
At the entrance, an exhibition traces the history of Penang’s Sikh community and the gurdwara.
Temple president Datuk Santok Singh said the restoration respected the methods and materials used when the building was constructed in 1901.
“It is a place where generations have celebrated marriages, mourned loved ones and introduced their children to the Guru’s house.
“For 125 years, it has helped our Sikh community call Penang home,” he said at the reopening ceremony.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said the site was officially handed over on March 2024.
He said the temple’s limestone structure suffered considerable wear from environmental pollution, urban development and the challenges of maintaining traditional masonry.
Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah contributed RM1mil towards the restoration.
Cheah said preserving the country’s heritage strengthened the bonds between Malaysians.
“Our heritage is a shared inheritance. 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 said.
A commemorative plaque and the temple’s community hall will bear Cheah’s name in recognition of his contribution.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim praised the Sikh community for its contribution to Penang and Malaysia.
“The Sikh community has produced generations of excellent leaders in Penang and for Malaysia.
“All of them have demonstrated the spirit of public service and service to humanity,” he said.
Among the guests was Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from Amritsar.
The temple can accommodate up to 400 people and provides free daily meals as well as educational, health and community outreach programmes.
More photos
The refurbished Darbar Sahib or prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is placed on a raised platform.
The Sikh community and visitors witnessing the reopening ceremony.
Santok: It is a place where generations have celebrated marriages, mourned loved ones and introduced their children to the Guru’s house.
