Devotees praying at Jade Emperor God Temple in Ayer Itam.
HOKKIEN devotees turned up in full force at Jade Emperor God Temple in Ayer Itam to pay homage to Thnee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor) on his birthday.
Among those climbing the steps to offer prayers to the deity was Ong Q Leng who turned up with 41 friends and relatives dressed in pink T-shirts, continuing an 18-year family tradition.
Q Leng, 48, said she prayed for good health and prosperity.
Among those in the group were CG Ooi, 60, and his wife Christine Ong, 51.
Ong’s friends and relatives offering prayers at the temple. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
“We love gathering every year at the temple as this strengthens our ties with friends and relatives,” said Ooi.
He said the group, mostly from George Town and Butterworth, would later adjourn to a restaurant for lunch.
Besides devotees, some 100 beggars were seen waiting along the steps leading to the temple entrance.
However, they allege that the ang pow collection this year was not as big.
“Last time, we collected about RM300 but now it is difficult to even get RM50,” said a beggar who wanted to remain anonymous. — By IMRAN HILMY
