Tourist attraction

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THE Mazu statue on the rocky shore of Pulau Jerejak has the potential to turn the isle into a tourist destination, said Taoist master Wang Teng Kok.

He said the Chinese Goddess of the Sea could become another famous place of worship in Penang after Kek Lok Si temple in Air Itam.

“Mazu statues are usually located offshore but this statue is special as it is under a Bodhi tree on the isle,” said Penang-born Wang who is also an abbot of the Mazu temple in Rawang.

In January, The Star reported that the northeast district land office would bring down the statue that was illegally erected on state land.

Religious devotion: Devotees praying to Mazu before the goddess' statue on the rocky shore of Pulau Jerejak

However, Wang said he would represent devotees and fishermen to discuss the matter with the state government.

“So far, the fishermen have agreed to ferry tourists and devotees by boats from Penang’s famed Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple (Sam Poh Tong) in Batu Maung to the site of the Mazu statue for a RM50 fee,” said Wang.

“I will also discuss with the second Penang Bridge construction company to place a glass cover over the 1.83m Mazu statue,” he added.

Earlier yesterday, Wang conducted a ritual ceremony to pay homage to the Mazu statue.

Some 300 devotees had started the divine journey from Sam Poh Tong to Pulau Jerejak by boats at 11am.

Devotees reaching the isle by boat

Small Mazu statues were also brought along to seek the goddess’ blessing for a safe journey as the drumming of Chinese traditional instruments including gongs filled the air.

Some devotees offered items such as red dyed eggs, ‘mee koo’ (red- coloured buns), fruits and flowers on the prayer altar for Mazu during the three-hour ceremony.

The ceremony ended with devotees throwing the red eggs into the sea in an act symbolising the eradication of bad luck.

There was also a three-minute chanting session dedicated to the dead in Pulau Jerejak as it was a place where lepers and tuberculosis patients were kept in isolation in the early 20th century.

Among the devotees was R. Saroja, 58, who was spotted praying with joss sticks.

“My husband is a Chinese and I have been praying to Mazu for many years. I feel blessed to be able to take part in this ceremony,” said the mother of two.

Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin was also present at the ceremony.