GEORGE TOWN: There are plans to have another Kek Lok Si Charitable Hospital built within the next two to three-and-a-half years.
Kek Lok Si Temple trustee Datuk Seri Seck Jit Heng.announced the news during a dinner before the Kek Lok Si Temple lighting up ceremony on Tuesday (Jan 17).
"The new charitable hospital in Paya Terubong will be able to house 400 beds.
"We are hoping for the project to be completed within the next two to three-and-a-half years," said Seck, who is the hospital board chairman.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was at the ceremony, lauded the initiative.
"It is indeed a good initiative and the state government fully supports it.
"We are in the midst of converting the land status. The application is expected to be submitted to the state planning committee within these two months," he said.
The first Kek Lok Si charitable hospital started operating on July 18, 2021.
Later at the lighting up ceremony, temple monks led devotees in a prayer session before a fireworks display.
Tens of thousands of LEDs, neon lights and traditional Chinese lanterns were switched on simultaneously.
The traditional lanterns lining the temple alternated between yellow and red, making it a spectacular sight.
This was complemented by the modern multi-coloured lantern neon lights.
The temple will be illuminated all the way up to the 33.6m-tall Kuan Yin statue and pavilion during the Chinese New Year for 33 days from Jan 17 to Feb 18.
It is understood that the opening hours of Kek Lok Si Temple during the Chinese New Year period are from 8.30am to midnight (Jan 21 to Jan 30); and from 8.30am to 11pm (Jan 31 to Feb 5).
