Historic Mazu statue consecration marks milestone for Qing Shan Temple in Muara Tebas

KUCHING (Jan 8): The long-awaited Mazu Statue Consecration Ceremony marked a historic milestone for Qing Shan Temple in Muara Tebas here, bringing to fruition years of perseverance, faith and collective community effort.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who attended and participated in the sacred ceremony today, said the occasion was particularly significant, as it not only consecrated the new Mazu statue but also involved the respectful relocation of the original sacred statue into the new temple building, symbolising continuity, gratitude and renewal.

He described the ceremony as deeply meaningful, noting it came after a nine-year journey since the temple’s groundbreaking ceremony in 2019.

Dr Sim added that the completion of the temple up to its consecration stage reflected perseverance, unity and the Sarawak spirit of ‘segulai sejalai’ (moving forward together, hand in hand).

“This is very much in line with the spirit of Sarawak nation-building, where people from different backgrounds continue to work together, support one another and build a shared future based on mutual understanding,” he said in his speech.

Speaking to reporters later, Dr Sim noted that the Chinese temple has stood at the site for more than 200 years, symbolising centuries of peaceful co-existence with the surrounding Kampung Muara Tebas community.

“This is, in fact, the foundation of Sarawak, where there is harmonious respect among communities. With this Mazu Statue Consecration Ceremony, it will further strengthen tourism and economic activities in this area,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kuching Hokkien Association (KHA) president Datuk Seri Richard Wee said the project has received approximately RM4 million in funding from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).

The temple construction is currently about 90 per cent complete, with full completion targeted by next year.

Richard explained that the consecration ceremony serves as a soft opening, timed to coincide with the upcoming Chinese New Year, allowing devotees to begin offering prayers at the new temple.

The official opening ceremony of the temple garden will be held separately in May, in conjunction with Mazu’s birthday.

The project was first conceptualised more than 15 years ago by the late Dato Sri Tay Thian Siong, who laid the foundation for its success.

The overall cost is estimated at over RM8 million, with discussions ongoing to address the remaining funding gap and to enhance the surrounding area, including a proposed small waterfront.

KHA has applied to Unifor for an additional RM2 million to complete the final phase.

Also present at the ceremony were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau; and Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni’s representative, Penghulu Ali Matsah.