GEORGE TOWN: The Goddess of Mercy Temple was originally built in honour of Ma Chor Po, the deity of seafarers, in 1800, according to Kong Hock Keong board of trustees vice-chairman Datuk Seri Khoo Keat Siew.
He said Ma Chor Po was the original deity because the Chinese community needed “divine protection” throughout their turbulent journey from the South China Sea to the island.
