Gurdwara chairman Datuk Santok Singh said the long process was necessary because of the building’s heritage status and the need to restore it as authentically as possible.
GEORGE TOWN: The 125-year-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang located at 87, Jalan Gurdwara reopened yesterday after undergoing restoration works costing RM6 million.
Founded in 1901, the gurdwara is the oldest and largest Sikh temple in Southeast Asia, and is also a Category One heritage building.
The restoration began in March 2004 and involved obtaining approvals from various departments, preparing and securing approval for the plans and raising funds for the project.
Gurdwara chairman Datuk Santok Singh said the long process was necessary because of the building’s heritage status and the need to restore it as authentically as possible.
“This is a heritage building. Getting the necessary approvals from various departments took time. Once we got the approvals, we submitted the plans, which also had to be approved. Then slowly, we started collecting donations,” he told theSun.
He said the committee also had to procure materials similar to those used when the building was constructed about 125 years ago.
“We had to source materials similar to the original ones, such as lime plaster and tiles, and that took time.”
He added that the works also involved restoring the building to its original design, including its floral decorative work, which had been replaced with colourful tiles at some point in the 1970s.
Traditional lime mortar was used instead of modern cement, while a large dome was brought in from Amritsar, India.
The restoration also involved a team of about seven specialist artisans from Tamil Nadu in India, who worked on the decorative and detailed sculpture work.
Santok said the artisans came from an area near Rameswaram known for its long tradition of craftsmanship, with skills often passed down through generations.
He said the restoration took about 15 months, with the Covid-19 pandemic causing further delays.
Santok also said fundraising for the project had been difficult, but contributions from individuals and organisations helped. The largest amount received was from Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, who donated RM1 million.
Santok described Cheah as someone with “a very big heart” towards all communities and said his contribution had helped the project significantly.
The gurdwara itself has a history of community support that goes back to its construction.
Historical accounts state that every Sikh in the police force and the Malay States Guides contributed one month’s salary towards the building fund.
In November 1900, the Penang government granted 20,064sq ft of land along Brick Kiln Road, now Jalan Gurdwara, for its construction. The title deed was signed on March 23, 1901.
Santok said the building also received support from people outside the Sikh community, including Malays, Chinese and other Indians.
“The support reflected the spirit of unity among the different communities.”
Meanwhile, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the gurdwara had not yet applied for state heritage status.
“To be considered for listing as a state heritage, the building owner will have to fill up a nomination form with the necessary details and submit it to the state heritage commissioner.
“The expert committee will evaluate the application and make a recommendation to the state,” he said.