4 days ago
From hillside shrine to iconic landmark: Miri temple's journey of faith, unity
(From right) Hock Seng, Ting, Georgina, Lee, Khien Ku, Yii and Chaw pose for a photo-call, taken during a symbolic handover of a Unifor cheque for RM300,000 to Some Shak Lung Kung Temple.
MIRI (June 28): The transformation of Some Shak Lung Kung Temple from a small hillside shrine into a prominent religious and tourism landmark stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance and unity within the local Chinese community, said Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
He made the remarks during a grand banquet celebrating the recognition of the temple's Tow Boo Kong Nine Emperor Gods as the 27th Seal-Holding Sacred Palace of Malaysia Tow Boo Kong Temple on Friday.
'What began as a humble temple by the hillside has now become a majestic landmark admired by all,' said the Senadin assemblyman, highlighting the temple's decades-long journey to secure land and establish its current structure.
He emphasised that the temple, now a magnet for devotees and tourists alike, is not only a place of worship but also a representation of Miri's cultural and tourism potential.
'This transformation would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the community, the leadership of Sea Dragon Master Ng Khien Ku, and the strong backing of the Sarawak government,' he added.
The state minister, who had been closely involved with the temple for over 30 years, recounted the early struggles, from land donations being withdrawn after ground-breaking ceremonies to losing sites due to government development plans.
'Despite these setbacks, the temple committee persevered and eventually secured a permanent site at Jalan Jee Foh 9, overcoming stiff competition from other associations,' he said.
'Today, the temple stands as a striking symbol of Miri's cultural landscape, featuring a grand hall that accommodates over 1,000 guests and a twin-dragon gate that has become a local icon.'
Lee also revealed that over RM20 million had been invested into the temple's development, part of which was funded by the Sarawak government.
'The story of Some Shak Lung Kung Temple is more than just a religious journey – it embodies the resilience of our people and our collective dedication to preserving cultural heritage,' he added.
The event, attended by over 1,000 guests from across Malaysia and also from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, and Brunei, also brought together representatives of more than 60 affiliated temples.
A highlight of the banquet was the presentation of a RM300,000 grant by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), proposed by the Pujut constituency.
The grant would be used to complete the infrastructure of the temple's new meeting hall, which could accommodate over 1,000 guests at any given time.
Also present yesterday were Deputy State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; Pujut assemblyman Mayor Adam Yii; Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau; Immigration and Labour Unit Sarawak director Richard Lon; temple chairman Ng Hock Seng; and Chaw Zhe Jian, who representing Miri MP Chiew Choon Man. Lee Kim Shin miri Some Shak Lung Kung Temple
