THE oldest temple in Kamunting – the Sam Ong Yeh Temple – is hoping to collect RM85,000 in donations during its 133rd anniversary celebration next year.
Temple secretary Foo Goon Khin said the money was needed to carry out refurbishment works at the temple, which was constructed mainly from clay.
“The temple, which is more than a century old, is slowly falling apart due to excessive vibration from heavy traffic along Jalan Stesyen,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference called by Bukit Gantang MCA division chief Datuk Ho Cheng Wang recently, Foo said a section of the temple’s walls was already slanting.
In need of fund s: The Sam Ong Yeh temple in Jalan Stesyen, Kamunting, Taiping. “We are selling a table for 10 persons at RM300 while those who want to cut a ribbon during the event can donate either RM300, RM500 or RM800. Those who wish to strike a gong during the celebrations can do so for a donation of RM1,000.” he said.
Ho, who was also present, said the temple was not listed as a heritage building by the Taiping Municipal Council.
“I am also perplexed as to why the temple is not listed as a heritage building, but I will try to have this done,” said Ho, who is also Pokok Assam Barisan Nasional coordinator.
According to oral histories of the region, the temple was named after Sam Ong Yeh, a warrior god known for performing good deeds.
It began as a small wooden structure set up by an old lady in 1878 before philanthropist Loke Yew developed it to its present structure in 1882.
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