THE refurbishment and restoration works of the 134-year-old Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple in Bukit Mertajam are expected to be completed in December 2021.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said works on the project have already started in September this year at a cost of RM3 million.
“The refurbishment and restoration works are important in order to restore the temple to its former grandeur after its main prayer hall and storage unit were destroyed in a fire in July last year.
“The current work progress has reached 20%. I am glad that it is on schedule,” Chow told reporters during his visit to the temple today.
According to Chow, the refurbishment and restoration works are also carried out simultaneously at the old shop lots (owned by the temple committee) on the temple surrounding areas at a cost of RM4 million.
“And the completion date is the same as the temple.
“So, the total cost is RM7 million; RM3 million for the temple and RM4 million for the shop lots.
“The cost is fully borne by the temple committee and I would like to commend them for not giving up in raising funds among the members and the local community for the project.
“The temple committee can also approach the state government or Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for any kind of assistance should they need it and we will be glad to help them,” he added.
Chow said the temple, also known to the locals as Tua Pek Kong Temple, has a rich history since it was built in 1886.
“The temple means a lot to the people here. The restoration will certainly lift the spirits of the folk here.
“And I hope once the work is completed, the temple can be a centre of cultural, social, economic, and recreational activities in Bukit Mertajam,” he said.
Also present during the visit were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, Chow’s political secretary Teh Lai Heng, who is also the Komtar assemblyman, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon and the temple chairman Datuk Chong Hut Hoo.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi