KUALA LUMPUR, July 2, 2013: The 66-year-old Sri Sithi Vinayagar temple in Jalan Brunei, off Jalan Pasar, has received the much-needed building funds from the government.

 Federal Territory MIC chairman Datuk M. Saravanan handed over a RM200,000 cheque to the temple committee in a simple ceremony recently. He said the contribution was to allow the committee to carry out refurbishment work on the building.

"There are about 25 temples in Kuala Lumpur and we have agreed that their facilities need to be upgraded and there is no need to build new temples," said Saravanan, who is also Youth and Sports Deputy Minister.

Temple committee president C. Nadarajah said the refurbishment work included the building of a hall.

"We are thankful for the aid. Refurbishment of Hindu temples is compulsory every 12 years, and the last we had was in 1998.

"The hall will be used for wedding ceremonies. We get at least 25 requests to hold weddings here every year. The upgrade, which costs about RM1.2million, is expected to complete next February.

"We have so far managed to raise RM800,000 and are looking for generous donors to be able to complete the refurbishment by next year.

"The decorative works are the most expensive part of the refurbishment.

"We have invited about 10 to 15 artisans from India, to work on them," he said, adding that the temple could accommodate 600 devotees at one time.

He said, during the construction period, the temple would still receive devotees for prayers but only small groups at a time.  

Source: New Straits Times, DT. July 2, 2013.