Malaysians are known to be free to practice all kinds of faith in the country. There are mosques, churches, Chinese temples, Hindu temples located all across the country. Some of these houses of worship has been around for decades, some even centuries.
One of the oldest temples in Malaysia
Located along one of the busiest streets in the Kuala Lumpur city centre is the Sin Sze Ya Temple. This Taoist temple is located just outside of Chinatown where it stands among the modern buildings and concrete jungle of the city and remains as one of the most cultural and traditional buildings here.
Dates back to time of Kapitan Yap Ah Loy
The Sin Sze Ya Temple is in fact one of the few buildings which are the remnants of Kuala Lumpur when it was still a mining region. It was built in 1864 by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy then to honour Kapitan Shin Kap. Yap had once worked for Shin during the Sungei Ujong conflict in 1859.
Significant temple for the Chinese
Throughout the years, the Sin Sze Ya temple has been a prominent temple among the Chinese who were predominantly Taoist and continues to be so until present day. That which makes this temple so unique is that its 2 main deities worshipped here were local persons who base do their merit and contributions being elevated to deities.
Today, Chinese worshippers are seen at the temple on most days while on special occasions like the Lunar New Year, the temple is crowded with devotees who come to pay their respects, make donations and for other services.