KUALA TERENGGANU: The historic Kampung Cina here received an early Chinese New Year gift of RM200,000 from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to boost cultural preservation and tourism activities.
Tiong lauded the committee for organising the large-scale celebration for the small Chinese community in Kuala Terengganu, saying such events are important for attracting visitors.
“The event has not only strengthened community cohesion but also attracted a significant number of foreign tourists who were keen to experience the lively festive atmosphere in Kampung Cina,” he said when officiating the event.
Tiong said he intends to visit the state again after the festivities to discuss potential tourism development opportunities and future collaboration in transforming the village into a distinctive heritage tourism destination.
Of the total allocation, RM100,000 will go to the committee to support its ongoing efforts in organising cultural and tourism-driven community programmes.
The remaining RM100,000 will be used for refurbishment and conservation works at the Guanti Temple, which is about 80 years old and a key heritage landmark in the state.
Committee founder and Terengganu MCA chairman Datuk Monna Ong said Tiong’s presence at the event was deeply meaningful for the local community.
“His presence symbolised not merely support but also recognition and affirmation of the federal government’s commitment to local communities and the preservation of cultural heritage,” she added.
She said the committee was set up three years ago with the mission of uniting the Chinese community in the state, safeguarding its interests and promoting consensus in the constructive development of the state.
“We firmly believe that enduring progress can only be realised by moving beyond political divisions and placing people-centred development at the core of all efforts,” she said.
Nestled at the estuary of the Terengganu River, Kampung Cina is a living testament to centuries of Chinese heritage in the state, said Ong.
Based on historical records, she said migration to Kampung Cina dates back to the Song Dynasty, including the famed voyages of Admiral Zheng He during the Ming Dynasty, which further strengthened cultural and trade exchanges spanning over a thousand years.
“Within Kampung Cina stand three historically significant temples, namely Ho Ann Temple, Guanti Temple and Tian Hou Temple.
“It forms a distinctive cultural triangle that preserves the collective memory of early settlers who endured hardship and established their roots here,” she added.
The Tian Hou Temple was inaugurated in 1896 during the Qing Dynasty, while the Sam Poh Kong Temple was built in 1942 to commemorate earlier historical ties.
“These heritage landmarks reflect centuries of civilisational exchange and coexistence between Chinese and Malay cultures.
“Today, they represent valuable cultural and tourism assets,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ong said the the event in Kampung Cina included free local delicacies and a night market featuring food stalls, handicrafts and cultural booths.
“The event encouraged hometown returnees to celebrate Chinese New Year together, while also attracting foreign visitors eager to experience the festive atmosphere,” she said, adding that more than 1,000 people from various racial and cultural backgrounds attended the event.
A total of 36 participants took part in the competition, with cash prizes ranging from RM500 to RM3,000.
