THE Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Penang will begin work on a RM60mil reconstruction of its multipurpose building this month. The project is expected to take five years.
MBA vice-president Venerable Chuan Yuan said the proposed building would comprise a five-storey front section and a 15-storey rear section, with a total gross floor area of about 170,000sq ft.
The new facility will include a hall, libraries, archives, lecture halls, a meditation hall, classrooms and hostels.
The groundbreaking ceremony at the association premises in Jalan Burma, George Town, was held on Sept 16.
Chuan Yuan said the existing multipurpose building, completed and opened in 1971, had deteriorated over the years and could no longer meet the association’s growing needs.
“Over the years, our Buddhist activities, education, charity and social welfare have continued to grow.
“The existing facilities can no longer fully meet these needs, while the Malaysian Buddhist Institute and our free clinic are also facing space constraints,” Chuan Yuan said at a press conference.
Established in 1957, MBA acquired nearly 20,000sq ft of land next to its existing premises in 1999, with the Education and Charity Building subsequently completed and opened in 2006.
A special general meeting in 2022 unanimously approved the reconstruction of the multipurpose building as part of the association’s long-term development plans.
“We hope the new building will become an important centre for dharma propagation, education and culture, charity, welfare and community services,” said Chuan Yuan.
MBA held a five-day Grand Dharma Assembly to mark the start of the project.
The programme featured offerings to the Buddhas and Celestial Guardians, the Emperor Liang Repentance and the Yogacara Flaming Mouth Ritual.
MBA honorary secretary Venerable Ji Zun said the assembly was aimed at praying for the smooth completion of the reconstruction project, as well as peace and harmony in Malaysia and around the world.
“We sincerely hope that through this Dharma Assembly, we can cultivate wholesome causes, pray for the smooth completion of the project and contribute to the continued propagation of the Buddha Dharma,” she said.
Ji Zun said the association welcomed support from Buddhist organisations, devotees, philanthropists and members of the public for the reconstruction project.
All surplus proceeds from the Dharma Assembly will be channelled to the MBA Multipurpose Building Reconstruction Fund.
