MIRI: Part of the city’s oldest Tua Pek Kong Temple’s beautification project next to the Miri River and alongside the old fish market here, is completed.
“We are happy that the upgrading and beautification works of this temple is progressing well,” said Minister for Transport cum Senadin assemblyman Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin today (July 15).
Earlier Lee, accompanied by Miri Chinese Charitable Trust Board (the body that is tasked with looking after the temple) chairman Temenggong Yong Vui Seng, conducted a site visit to the temple.
The whole beautification project costs about RM8 million, out of which RM1million was given by the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) three years ago.
“The beautification works of this temple which commenced back in 2020 consisting of three phases. Phase one involves the construction of a two-storey administration block and a heritage museum; while phase 2 is the placement of a 24-foot tall statue (53 tonnes) of Tua Pek Kong, and Phase 3 involves refurbishing the walls surrounding the temple with two dragons statues,” he said.
He said two dragon heads sculptured for the temple which are being made in mainland China are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Lee added the temple’s trust board has put up a request for another funding from UNIFOR for the remaining balance of RM3million to fully complete the beautifications project.
“I was informed by UNIFOR that they are still considering the application,” he disclosed.
Once the beautification project of the 110-year-old temple is completed, he said it would become a tourist attraction to Miri city.
