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By Phuah Ken Lin

Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple

GEORGE TOWN: The majestic Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple within the heritage enclave here is set to see further structural upgrades.
Temple committee member Lim Hooi Hoo, 51, said the temple had received an allocation of RM400,000 from the Federal Government to spruce up the rooftop structure of an annexed building.

“Our plan is to replace the existing zinc on the roofs above the outdoor stage with beautiful carved tiles.

“The makeover will synchronise the rooftop structures within the premises,” Lim said.

He said the upgrading works were expected to be completed by June.

A community temple dedicated to the worship of Tua Peh Kong, it also attracts local and foreign heritage conservationists, who flock there to marvel at its architectural wonders.

Located at the junction of Lebuh Armenian, the temple is next to the Khoo Kongsi mansion, another heritage building where the Hollywood blockbuster Anna and the King was shot back in 1999.

Visitors may miss the temple due to its small and nondescript entrance passage but once inside, its exquisite architecture will take their breath away.

The upper central hall has elaborately carved timber trusses, and the temple’s original interior and facade have been maintained.

The temple is in the hands of a board of trustees, who hold it for the use of the fourth brotherhood societies Tong Kheng Seah, Poh Hock Seah, Cheng Hoe Seah and Hokkien Kongsi.

The double-storey temple was built in the 1850s and served as the headquarters of Kean Teik Tong, also known as the Tua Peh Kong Kongsi.

Today, the temple stands as a symbol of the achievement of the Penang Hokkien community.

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Posted by admin on March 14, 2011 under Penang Story.