Bandar Seri Sendayan to get gurdwara by 2018

Persatuan Penganut Sikhism Negri Sembilan president Datuk Dr Sukhdarshan Singh Dhillon says the gurdwara will also cater to the Sikh communities in Nilai and Sepang. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Elvina Fernandez, Aprl 16, 2015.The growing Sikh community in Bandar Seri Sendayan will no longer have to travel 16km to Seremban town to fulfil their religious obligations as a Sikh temple is expected to be ready in their area in about three years.

The Persatuan Penganut Sikhism Negri Sembilan president Datuk Dr Sukhdarshan Singh Dhillon said the 1.2ha of land to build the temple was given by Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd and the state government had given its approval for the gurdwara to be built.

“There is a need for a gurdwara there (Bandar Seri Sendayan) to accommodate the growing Sikh community as more move into Seremban 2,” he said after a Vaisakhi open house in Seremban.

He added that the temple was expected to cost RM3 million and would also accommodate Sikhs from Sepang and Nilai.

“Now that we have the land, we have to plan how we can make the best use of it to benefit the Sikh community in the long run,” he said.

He added that a gurdwara and a dining area would be built first.

“Later, we will see what else can come along, such as a home for the elderly,” he explained.

Matrix Concepts had recently built a Hindu temple in the area.

Dr Sukhdarshan said the state government had also given the Malaysian Sikh Union Negri Sembilan branch RM25,000.

“The money will be used to conduct activities such as for youths,” he said.

Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, who was present at the open house, said developers should give priority to religious houses in their planning.

“Residential areas must have the basic facilities for all races and I want Sendayan to be an example where there is inclusivity,” he said.

He stressed that no one should be shortchanged.

“We should not shortchange anybody, the state (Negri Sembilan) does not practise such management that will cause problems among the communities,” he said.

He added that new housing projects should also ensure there were basic facilities for all ages and those with disabilities.

“When we develop something, we must take into consideration all these factors. Only when all are given the same basic amenities, can the community live happily,”  he said. – April 16, 2015.

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