Decades of faith and hard work transform Sibu's Hindu temple.

The Star

a day ago

A ONCE modest house of worship has now blossomed into a grand cultural and spiritual landmark for the Hindu community in Sibu.
The newly completed Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, built at a cost of RM2mil, stands not just as a place of prayer but as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage and hope for generations to come.
The temple's origins date back to 1920, when it began as a humble hut.
In 1971, it moved into a double-storey building donated by the late Soma Sundram.
That house and its surrounding land were generously gifted for religious use – a gesture that laid the foundation for the temple's enduring legacy.
Manogaran (fifth from left) leading a mini-procession around the temple.
Today, after more than a decade of tireless work, community support and government funding, the temple has undergone a complete transformation.
Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy, who took over its management in 2012, described the journey as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
'This temple is built on new ground, literally and spiritually. It is the first Hindu temple in Sibu constructed under the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the Indian community,' said Manogaran, a retired police sergeant.
'It follows traditional Hindu customs, from the statues to the prayers – it mirrors what you would see in Peninsular Malaysia or even India.'
The transformation didn't happen overnight.
A large crowd of devotees at the consecration of the temple.
'It took years of fundraising, administrative work and sheer determination.
Between 2018 and 2024, major construction and decorative work was completed with support from the Sarawak government and the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which contributed nearly RM400,000.
Further help came from local philanthropists and timber businessmen who donated wooden materials valued at over RM120,000.
'Without the support of our elected representatives and the local Chinese and Iban communities, this temple would not exist in its current form,' Manogaran said.
'I am especially grateful to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee for their belief in our vision.'
The temple consecration ceremony is steeped in tradition.
Initially, 10 skilled workers from India were involved in the project but as it neared completion, only four remained.
'Each worker earns a salary ranging from RM3,000 to RM4,000.
'Yes, they are skilled workers, which is why they all have certificates,' Manogaran explained.
He said 16 stone sculptures were brought in from India at a cost of nearly RM22,000 for transport, while 63 statues were built on site by the specialist workers.
The temple was consecrated on July 7 in a ceremony that featured 48 days of prayers and the participation of over 30 priests from India and Peninsular Malaysia.
Looking ahead, the temple committee has set its sights on an even more ambitious goal: to hold Sibu's first-ever Thaipusam celebration next year.
'In Penang, Thaipusam draws people from all over the world. It's more than a religious event – it becomes a multicultural gathering,' said Manogaran.
Musical instruments formed an integral part of the consecration ceremony.
'We hope to replicate that spirit here in Sibu. Our vision is to make it a memorable and inclusive festival that also draws tourists.'
Plans are already under way for a local religious procession, with hopes that it could evolve into an annual cultural highlight for Sibu.
While traditional chariots pulled by bulls – as seen in Peninsular Malaysia – are impractical in Sibu, the committee is exploring creative alternatives such as airport trolleys to symbolically carry the deity during the parade.
In addition to Thaipusam, the temple plans to celebrate other major Hindu festivals like Navaratri, ensuring year-round spiritual activity.
The temple is open daily from 7am to 10am and 6pm to 10pm, with a full-time priest from Peninsular Malaysia stationed there to conduct daily rituals.
A boy being lifted up by his parents to witness the divine blessings of Goddess Mariamman at the temple.
In time, there are plans to open the temple to members of the public with fixed visiting hours.
Beyond its religious role, the temple also aspires to serve the wider community. Manogaran hopes to raise funds for a temple van, which could be used to transport devotees or assist in charitable work such as ferrying the sick to hospitals.
Still, challenges remain as further work is needed to improve the temple's uneven grounds – but Manogaran remains optimistic.
'Many people have served this community for decades but couldn't achieve this. I've been here just seven or eight years and one day decided: it's time we had a proper temple. With faith and unity, everything is possible.'
The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple today is not only a place of worship, it is a living monument to interfaith cooperation, community resilience and cultural preservation.
As it prepares to host its first Thaipusam festival next year, Sibu's Hindu community, numbering between 300 and 400 people, has every reason to be proud.