KUCHING – The Sikh community in Kuching marked a significant milestone with the official opening of the newly completed extension building at Gurdwara Sahib Kuching along Jalan Masjid on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
The ceremony was attended by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian and his wife, Datin Amar Dato Enn Ong Siok Ean, alongside representatives from various religious communities and government agencies.
The opening marked the completion of an expansion and renovation project aimed at improving the temple’s facilities and providing additional space for worship, religious activities and community gatherings.
Director of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, attended the occasion with members of her management team, joining the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association and members of the local Sikh community in celebrating the development.
Other dignitaries included Deputy Minister for Utility Datuk Haji Ibrahim Haji Baki, Kuching North City Hall Mayor Dato Haji Hilmy Haji Othman and Kuching South City Council Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Heads of other religious communities and invited guests were also present, reflecting the participation of different faith groups in the celebration.
The event was hosted by Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Dato Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, together with association committee members and representatives of the Sikh community.
The newly completed extension represents an investment in the continued development of the religious institution, providing facilities intended to serve the needs of the congregation and support the preservation of Sikh religious practices and traditions.
The project also reflects the community’s collective efforts to maintain its place of worship while ensuring that the facilities remain suitable for future generations.
UNIFOR representatives congratulated the association’s leadership, committee members and the wider Sikh community on the completion of the project. Appreciation was also extended to the Sarawak Government for its continued support towards religious institutions and communities across the state.
The presence of representatives from different faiths added a broader community dimension to the occasion, highlighting the longstanding importance of interfaith engagement in Sarawak.
The gathering provided an opportunity for religious leaders and community representatives to meet, strengthen relationships and share in an important development for the Sikh congregation.
Sarawak’s multicultural and multireligious landscape has made cooperation among different faith communities an important aspect of community relations. Events such as the opening of religious facilities also provide opportunities for members of other communities to participate in celebrations and demonstrate mutual respect.
The development comes as Sarawak continues to emphasise social cohesion and inclusiveness as part of its broader development aspirations under the Sarawak Vision 2030 agenda.
The opening of the extension building is expected to provide a more accommodating environment for religious observances, fellowship and community activities at Gurdwara Sahib Kuching.
The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association and the congregation, with hopes that the expanded facilities will continue serving as a centre for worship, cultural preservation and community engagement for generations to come.
The occasion also reinforced the importance of maintaining an environment where people of different religious backgrounds can celebrate one another’s achievements while contributing to a peaceful and inclusive Sarawak. â Sarawak Daily
