KHA to start Mazu Temple project this year
KUCHING: The Kuching Hockien Association (KHA) hopes to implement the proposed Mazu Temple project in Muara Tebas near here within this year.
The proposed project is estimated to cost RM5 million and will take at least two years to complete.
President of KHA, Dato Richard Wee said the project had been approved in principle and they aimed to sort out the selection of contractors in the next three months.
“This Mazu Temple will be on the same piece of land as the existing Ching San Yen Temple in Muara Tebas. It’s just next to the Ching San Yen Temple, which is over 200 years old. It was mooted by former president of KHA the late Dato Sri Tay Thian Siong and the current leadership aims to fulfill his wishes,” he said when contacted here yesterday.
Wee said the association would not consider the proposed Mazu Temple a new temple but an extension to the Ching San Yen Temple.
According to him, the Mazu Deity of Ching San Yen Temple will be moved to the Mazu Temple once the project is completed.
He said the family of the late Tay had pledged a donation for the project, adding that the association would launch its fundraising campaign soon.
“Usually during our canvassing, people will pledge to donate pillars and all those. We do have our plan but if we are unable to get the full amount, we will build the temple in phases,” added Wee.