KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — The Sikh community isn’t the biggest religious group in the Malaysia, but don’t let that fool you about the impact of its people and culture, said Malaysian Punjabi Chambers of Commerce and Industries (MPCCI) chairman and president Datuk Seri Daljit Singh Dalliwal.
Speaking at the My Vaisakhi Fest 2018, jointly organised with the Tourism and Culture Ministry (MOTAC), Daljit told Malay Mail that Sikhs were ubiquitous in the country, courtesy of their presence in a wide range of public and private sectors.
“We are small in Malaysia — there are 100,000 of us — but you see us everywhere,” said Daljit.
“We are in the civil service, business industry, we are doctors, engineers, lawyers. We are everywhere. That is how we contribute to Malaysia.”
The MPCCI started “My Vaisakhi Fest” in 2009 and first teamed up with MOTAC to promote the event in 2014.
This year's edition held at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) on Jalan Ampang here is the fourth of this partnership.
Daljit said while the Sikh community is not a direct part of the tourism industry, its members own a “couple of dozen” companies related to inbound and outbound travel from Malaysia.
They primarily include lodges, budget and three-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Perak.
Daljit also suggested Sikh visitors from India outnumbered the size of the community here.
The total number of tourists from India in 2017 was almost 553,000, according to statistics provided by the government’s “My Tourism Data” website. They are the sixth most numerous nationality to visit Malaysia, behind only Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam.
Daljit estimated between 100,000 to 120,000 travelled from north Indian region Punjab, where Sikhism originated, as well as Delhi and Mumbai.
“They like Malaysia because we have over 120 gurdwaras,” he said, referencing the religion’s place of worship.
“They find the food and Sikh community easily. They come and adjust at ease.”
Dalijt mentioned the biggest Sikh communities were found in the Klang Valley with the second-largest in Perak.
It was a night of splendour and pomp at this year’s “My Vaisakhi Fest”, which was an open house filled with traditional dance and music performances, including Bhangra and other facets of Punjabi art and culture.
A food bazaar was also held to showcase traditional delicacies such as panjiri, chivda, sharanspice, eggless cake, cha masala and more. Providing free food, called Langar (kitchens), is part of the Sikh culture.
Vaisakhi Day is one of the religion’s main celebrations and falls on April 14, marking the beginning of harvest season by tradition.
Daljit was delighted to see a packed hall at MaTiC for the occasion.
“When it comes to the Sikh community — our culture, our costume, our performance and entertainment — you will see people attracted to it like a magnet, because our culture is colourful.
“Today easily there are 1,000 foreigners here from Europe, Middle East, from China from everywhere. You will see Malaysians who have travelled to be here.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia has allowed us to use this place that has brought in tourists off the street because it is a hotspot with KLCC and major hotels nearby.
“The tourists get a free show, food, they are getting to know more about Malaysia; they’re getting culture.”
