MIRI: One of Miri’s oldest religious landmarks, Tokong Tua Pek Kong, will receive RM500,000 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for the Piasau constituency.
The allocation will fund crucial restoration and enhancement works on the historic structure, which has stood as a silent witness to Miri’s transformation from a quiet coastal town to a bustling city.
The funding was announced by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s wider effort to safeguard local heritage sites that hold deep cultural and historical significance for the community.
Speaking on behalf of Datuk Ting, special officer Chia Kar Furng visited the site this week with engineers from the Public Works Department (JKR) Miri.
They met with Tokong Tua Pek Kong committee chairman Tay Choon Wei to discuss the project’s scope and immediate needs.
Chia stressed that restoring a centuries-old structure such as this temple goes far beyond a routine refurbishment job.
Traditional architectural details, intricate wood carvings and sacred elements unique to Chinese heritage buildings demand a different level of care and sensitivity.
“This isn’t just any building. It represents the collective memory and cultural identity of generations of local Chinese families in Miri.
“That’s why this project requires a meticulous approach, especially from a technical and architectural standpoint,” Chia said during the site visit.
He said the government is taking steps to ensure that the project is not handled like a typical open-tender construction job — one that risks assigning the work to contractors unfamiliar with the finer points of traditional architecture.
“If the restoration were to be carried out by contractors who lack the right expertise in heritage conservation, we run the risk of diminishing the temple’s historical value.
“The work may look complete on the surface, but the soul of the building could be lost,” he said.
Chia emphasised that only contractors with proven experience in restoring traditional structures would be considered for the job.
“The aim is not just to repair and paint over the cracks. We want to ensure that the end result truly reflects the aesthetic and historical essence of the original building,” he added.
Built over a century ago by Chinese settlers, Tokong Tua Pek Kong has long been regarded as a cultural touchstone for the local community. Nestled within the city’s older quarters, the temple serves as a place of worship, a cultural gathering point, and a link to the spiritual beliefs of Miri’s early Chinese pioneers.
Over the years, the temple has withstood the test of time- surviving urban development, climate changes and waves of modernisation. But age has inevitably taken its toll, with portions of the structure now in need of urgent repair to prevent further deterioration.
For many residents, the restoration couldn’t come soon enough. The temple, with its distinct red façade, ornate rooftop figures and timeworn wooden panels, continues to attract worshippers and visitors alike — both for spiritual reasons and for its sheer architectural beauty.
The RTP funding for the temple is part of a broader state strategy to bring development to all corners of Sarawak, including through preservation of its tangible heritage.
While most RTP projects focus on improving infrastructure, road access, and rural amenities, there is growing recognition that heritage assets, too, deserve investment.
“Cultural preservation is just as important as physical development,” said Chia. “When we invest in heritage, we’re investing in our identity – something that binds us across generations.”
As planning progresses, the temple committee, JKR engineers and the Piasau service centre are expected to work closely to ensure the restoration is carried out with integrity, skill and respect for tradition.
The works, which are scheduled to begin once final assessments are completed, will prioritise structural stability, roof repairs, and the careful refurbishment of the temple’s intricate decorative features.
The goal is to keep the original character of the building intact, while ensuring it remains safe and accessible for years to come.
For locals, the project is not just about fixing a building — it’s about honouring history, cherishing culture, and ensuring that the spiritual heart of old Miri continues to beat strong into the future.
