Tua Pek Kong Fest attracts more than 2,200 visitors
SIBU: The Tua Pek Kong Festival was a big hit among visitors, as more than 2,200 of them flocked into this town for the threeday celebration that began last Friday. Held in line with Visit Sibu Year initiated by Sibu Municipal Council
( SMC ) , the religious event attracted people from all over Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and also from as far as Xiamen in China, Taiwan and Macau – representing 145 temples.
According to Sibu Tua Pek Kong temple chairman Penghulu Soon Choon Hoo, the guests said they were touched by the warmth and hospitality of the people here.
“The guests were in fact so impressed that they would copy the religious activities in their own countries. Delegates from Macau said they would host a similar festival in 2020. Delegates from Singkawang in Kalimantan and Thailand would also copy the event in their respective homes. The Singkawang delegation is led by their mayor.”
Soon said the Tua Pek Kong Festival was aimed at fostering friendship and promoting goodwill among locals and visitors alike.
The highlight of the three days, he added, was the colourful fair on Saturday night held at the scenic temple compound.
“We had a concert showcasing the various cultures of Sarawak. We also had a gallery displaying photographs on the history of the Sibu Tua Pek Kong Temple, the development of Sibu, the cultural
We had a concert showcasing the various cultures of Sarawak. We also had a gallery displaying photographs on the history of the Sibu Tua Pek Kong Temple, the development of Sibu, the cultural colours of Sibu and also a display of antiques. There were endless photograph sessions among the visitors. Penghulu Soon Choon Hoo, Sibu Tua Pek Kong temple chairman
colours of Sibu and also a display of antiques. There were endless photograph sessions among the visitors,” he said.
Soon said the temple hosted a welcoming dinner for the guests on Friday and after the opening ceremony on Saturday morning, the temple committee took them on a half-day tour to visit a longhouse and the Jade Dragon Mountain Temple at Oya Road - one of the most impressive and biggest temples for the followers of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.
“On Sunday (yesterday), we had a forum on the culture of Chinese religion. We had 14 speakers from Taiwan, China and Kuching.”
He said the celebration ended with a banquet yesterday evening before the guests set out for home today.
“It might have been a short stay, but this is enough to put Sibu on the world map. We have made friends and connected with many people.”
Soon hoped that the guests would return, assuring them that the townsfolk would welcome them with open arms.
He, however, regretted that he did not have time to take them to sample local favourites – the ‘kampua’ noodles, ‘kompia’, Foochow ‘ Din Bian Hu’, Dayak ‘ Pansuh’ and many other ‘kampung’ (village) specialties.
“I hope they did take some time off to wander around town and taste Sibu food.”