Statues and bell destroyed in Centipede Temple fire

SEREMBAN: Five statues of Taoist deities and a century-old bell were destroyed in a blaze at the famous Then Sze Koon Temple at Bukit Jong here.

The fire, which occurred at the main prayer hall, was spotted by a member of the public from his house when he got up at 4am yesterday.

The man immediately alerted the Fire and Rescue Department and the fire was put out three hours later.

A temple committee official said CCTV recordings showed a man loitering in the area just before the fire started.

“There were no guards or employees at the temple during the incident.

“The man who broke in was wearing a helmet and was seen ransacking the place before the fire broke out,” he said.

The official could not immediately give an estimate of the losses.

The Fire and Rescue Department is investigating the cause of the blaze.

Seremban MCA chief Siow Koi Voon, who visited the site with MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon, said he would help raise funds to assist the temple committee with repair works.

Also known as the Centipede Temple, Then Sze Koon is a popular tourist destination.

The main building was constructed in 1863 and several additions were made after that.

The bell dating back to 1863 – second year of the reign of Tongzhi Emperor during the Qing Dynasty – is believed to be a gift from a devotee.