Association’s RM60m building expected to be ready by 2031

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

The Malaysian Buddhist Association in Penang has begun a RM60 million redevelopment of its multipurpose building, aiming for completion by 2031. The new facility will accommodate expanded educational, cultural, and community services, addressing space limitations of the aging 1971 structure and supporting the association's growing activities.

The Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Penang has commenced construction on a RM60 million redevelopment of its multipurpose building, with the project expected to be completed by 2031. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 16 at the association’s premises on Jalan Burma in George Town.

The new structure will feature a five-storey front block and a 15-storey rear block, encompassing approximately 170,000 square feet of floor space. Planned facilities include a hall, libraries, archives, lecture halls, a meditation hall, classrooms, and hostels, aimed at addressing the growing demands of the association’s activities and community services.

Venerable Chuan Yuan, vice-president of MBA, explained that the existing multipurpose building, which was completed in 1971, has deteriorated over the years and no longer accommodates the expanding needs of the association. “Our Buddhist activities, education, charity, and social welfare services have continued to grow," he said. "The current facilities can no longer fully support these functions, and space constraints are also affecting the Malaysian Buddhist Institute as well as our free clinic.”

Established in 1957, the MBA acquired nearly 20,000 square feet of adjoining land in 1999 and subsequently completed the Education and Charity Building in 2006. The decision to rebuild the multipurpose building was unanimously approved at a special general meeting in 2022, as part of the association’s long-term development plans.

Chuan Yuan expressed hope that the new building will serve as a key centre for dharma propagation, education, culture, charity, welfare, and community services. To mark the start of the reconstruction, the MBA hosted a five-day Grand Dharma Assembly featuring Buddhist rituals such as offerings to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians, the Emperor Liang Repentance, and the Yogacara Flaming Mouth Ritual.

MBA honorary secretary Venerable Ji Zun stated that the assembly was intended to pray for the smooth completion of the project, as well as for peace and harmony within Malaysia and globally. She added that the association welcomes support from Buddhist organisations, devotees, philanthropists, and the public to assist with the reconstruction fund.

Funds raised from the Grand Dharma Assembly beyond the project costs will be directed to the MBA Multipurpose Building Reconstruction Fund to support ongoing activities and future development efforts.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.