Qing Shan Yan Tian Hou Temple at Kpg Muara Tebas set to become S’wak’s next tourism attraction

Dr Sim, representing Abang Johari, at the official opening of the Qing Shan Yan Tian Hou Temple at Kampung Muara Tebas on Oct 18, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 18: The Qing Shan Yan Tian Hou Temple at Kampung Muara Tebas here has the potential to become another prominent cultural and heritage tourism attraction in Sarawak.

According to Kuching Hokkien Association president Dato Sri Richard Wee, as part of the UNESCO Sarawak Delta Geopark, the temple, also known as the Green Hill Mazu Temple, is expected to attract even more domestic and international visitors who wish to explore its history, appreciate its cultural significance, and even undertake pilgrimages.

Speaking at the temple’s opening ceremony here today, he said it represents the continuation and preservation of a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual heritage and is the second temple to be established at Kampung Muara Tebas, following the historic Ching San Yen Temple.

He explained that the temple’s concept was first proposed in 2010, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony in 2017, and construction officially began in 2019, but stalled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and rising building costs.

“Throughout these difficult times, we were fortunate to receive unwavering support from devotees and well-wishers from all walks of life,” he said.

Wee also thanked the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) for its support, which reflects the Sarawak government’s longstanding policy of openness, inclusiveness, and respect for religious diversity.

“The location of Ching San Yen is particularly significant. Situated at the mouth of the Sarawak River, it was an important landing point for early Chinese immigrants arriving in Sarawak. Over more than a century, the temple and the surrounding kampung communities have coexisted harmoniously, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance.

“Every year, during temple celebrations and on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, Ching San Yen attracts large numbers of devotees and visitors.

“We have always received enthusiastic assistance from the residents, who help with various arrangements and activities. At the same time, the arrival of visitors has also generated economic opportunities and additional income for the local community,” he said.

He explained that, in traditional Chinese belief, Mazu has been revered as a Goddess of the Sea and worshipped for generations as a guardian deity.

“When our early Fujian ancestors sailed across the seas to Southeast Asia, they faced unpredictable weather, dangerous waves, and the uncertainties of an unfamiliar land. Their faith in Mazu gave them spiritual comfort, courage, and strength.

“As these early settlers migrated and maritime trade expanded, Mazu worship spread to different parts of the world, eventually becoming an important cultural heritage associated with the Maritime Silk Road.

“Therefore, the establishment of the Green Hill Mazu Temple is not merely the addition of another place of worship. More importantly, it represents the continuation and preservation of a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual heritage,” he said.

Meanwhile, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the temple represents not just its physical structure, but also faith, history, cultural identity, and the community’s collective aspirations.

During his speech, which was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, he said that the temple will serve not only as a sacred place of worship for devotees, but also as an important centre for preserving traditional Chinese culture, promoting the values associated with Mazu and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the wider community.

He explained that belief in Mazu has a long, distinguished history, deeply rooted in Chinese civilisation and passed down through generations by Chinese communities worldwide.

“Mazu culture embodies values that transcend cultural and religious boundaries. These include compassion for others, respect for life, kindness to neighbours, assistance for those facing hardship, and a strong sense of responsibility towards society.

“In Sarawak, these principles resonate strongly with the values that have long shaped our society. We believe that harmony is built not by eliminating our differences, but by recognising, respecting, and embracing them as part of our collective strength,” he said.

Among those present were Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Hazland Abang Hipni; Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng; Unifor director, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau; and Kuching Hokkien Association deputy president, Wong Chiang Kim Huat. — DayakDaily