KUCHING: The Poh Ka Buddhist Temple here received a government grant of RM500,000 which was handed by Minister of Local Government and Housing, Professor Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian yesterday.
The handing over ceremony was held at the temple in the Simpang Tiga area here as part of fund raising drive for the construction of the new Poh Ka Monastery.
“The temple is not only visited by the devotees but also tourists. The temple is meant to enlighten devotees and people from all walks of life to understand the Buddhism,” Dr Sim said.
The new monastery will have three blocks of three-storey each with 29,955 square feet.
According to the temple chairman, Ngiaw Mui Khak, the construction of the new monastery is expected to be completed within three years.
“The earth-breaking ceremony was held on 6 March last year but as we still wait for approval by the local authority tender for the project will open this August.
“The total cost of the new building is RM7 million and at present we have collected RM3 million. We are still short of RM4 million,” said Ngiaw.
