THE area surrounding the Sri Pasupathinath Temple has the potential to be developed into a unique religious harmony tourism destination capable of attracting visitors from around the world, according to Malaysian Hindu Sangam Sabah State Council Chairman Datuk Dr G. Mohan A. Gopal Naidoo.
He said the temple’s location alongside places of worship of other faiths, including Masjid Nurul Hikmah and the Church of God Kota Kinabalu, makes it a rare example of peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony in Malaysia.
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“The area could serve as a model of unity and mutual respect while contributing to Sabah’s tourism industry.
“The uniqueness of this area is that within the same vicinity, visitors can see a Hindu temple, a mosque, a church and other places of worship.
“This reflects the spirit of harmony that Sabah is known for and has the potential to become a tourism attraction not only for Sabah but for Malaysia as a whole,” he said when met during the temple’s fourth Maha Kumbhabhisegam ceremony.
Dr Mohan expressed hope that the Sabah Government would consider gazetting the area as a special religious harmony zone and further develop it as a tourism landmark.
“We hope the State Government will recognise and gazette this area as a symbol of religious harmony. With proper development, it can become a unique tourism attraction that draws visitors from all over the world,” he said.
He said such recognition would enhance Sabah’s appeal to international visitors seeking cultural and religious tourism experiences.
Dr Mohan also congratulated the temple’s management committee for successfully organising the temple’s fourth consecration ceremony, which is held once every 12 years.
He praised the committee for maintaining the temple to a high standard, describing the Sri Pasupathinath Temple as one of the best-maintained Hindu temples not only in Sabah but also in Malaysia.
“The temple committee has done an excellent job in preserving and maintaining this place of worship. Their contribution to the Hindu community and society at large deserves recognition,” he said.
