RM120,000 raised for temple in Sitiawan

What say you on the issue below?

THE He De Temple in Sitiawan is a step closer to putting up its own building for its 1,000 worshippers following a successful fundraising carnival.

The event held recently generated RM120,000 for the Buddhist temple’s building fund.

Event organising chairman Soo Sing Kong said the temple committee had bought a 0.17ha plot of land for RM300,000 five years ago.

Refreshment: Kong receiving a drink from He De Temple chief monk Ong Heah Heong (right).

“We managed to raise the sum from the monthly donations made by worshippers.

“Now, we are focusing on raising funds to construct the building, which we estimate will cost around RM800,000 due to the rising costs of building materials,” he said.

Established over 20 years ago in Kampung Koh, the temple is housed in a residential premise.

“Due to the large number of followers we have, we require a bigger space and a proper temple to accommodate everyone,” added Soo.

Lumut MP Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, who opened the carnival, also contributed RM30,000 towards the temple’s building fund.

“It is encouraging to see such good response from the public and it shows the unity and respect we have for other religions in our country,” Kong said of the carnival held at SJK(C) Uk Dih.