Kuala Lumpur's Sin Sze Si Ya Temple Returns to Life After a 63-Year Hiatus

In commemoration of the 160th anniversary of

吉隆坡仙四师爷庙
(Image source: Perpetual Memorial Park)

the establishment of the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple in Kuala Lumpur, the Qi An Da Jiao Grand Prayer Session was held. The procession, which commenced at the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple on Jalan Tun H.S.Lee, traversed several key thoroughfares, including Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Petaling, Jalan Hang Lekir, and Jalan Hang Kasturi.

Immediately following the detonation of the firecrackers, the procession commenced its circuitous route through the city. Accompanying the sedan chair and the tablet of Sin Sze Si Ya were a multitude of other participants, including spirit mediums, dragon flags, ceremonial guards, dragon and lion dancers, stilt walkers, brass bands, martial arts and diabolo performances. A considerable number of devout believers followed closely behind, bearing joss sticks.

吉隆坡仙四师爷庙
(Image source: Perpetual Memorial Park)

The ceremony attracted the attention of passersby, who paused to observe the proceedings. Regardless of nationality or race, there was a pervasive sense of devotion and respect for multiculturalism.

The event took place on a Sunday morning in Kuala Lumpur. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, it was the essence of Malaysian culture.

吉隆坡仙四师爷庙
(Image source: Perpetual Memorial Park)

For the first time in 63 years, the temple authorities have reinstated a grand procession for the public to observe this traditional event, which attracted over 1,000 people.

Speaking at a press conference after the event, See Kam Fook, Director of Scholarships of the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, said that 2024 would mark the 160th anniversary of the temple and the temple authorities planned to organise the Sin Sze Si Ya Chingay every five years in the future to continue the tradition.

“We are grateful for the co-operation of the government, the Urban Council and the Traffic Police for making the event possible and mentioned that the favourable weather also added to the success of the event. We would also like to thank the support of the Petaling Street Hawker Association for not only sending a dragon and lion dance team to participate but also coordinating the hawkers to co-operate with the event, which ensured the smooth running of the celebration.”

Since 1967, the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple has provided financial assistance to the eight independent secondary schools, which have subsequently sent several performance teams, including dance and marching bands, to participate in the festivals as a gesture of support.

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Who are Sin Sze Si Ya?

One might wonder about the identity of Sin Sze Si Ya. Let us examine the allusion in greater detail.

Sin Si Ya, Kapitan Seng Meng Lee, a native of Fui Chiu, crossed the ocean and arrived in Nanyang. He was a hard-working, capable, loyal, and courageous individual who became the head of Sungai Ujong. He was then elected as the Kapitan Cina of Sungai Ujong but was unfortunately involved in the civil war and subsequently lost his life.

It is rumored that Seng Kung bled white blood instead of red at the time of his death. His heroic death and subsequent manifestations led people to believe he had attained immortality and was subsequently honored as a righteous deity. It is documented that during the Selangor Civil War, Sin Si Ya manifested on numerous occasions to guide Yap Ah Loy, ultimately contributing to the victory of the war.

Sze Si Ya was originally known as Yap Sze, a native of Fui Chiu, who traveled across the ocean to Nanyang, where he previously managed a mining operation in Lukut. He later established the "Three Trading Houses" in Kuala Lumpur with the first Chinese settlers, Kapitan Hiu Siew.

He was of considerable assistance to Yap Ah Loy, even relinquishing his role as the third Kapitan in deference to Yap Ah Loy. During the civil war, the enemy attacked and killed him, but he was later buried by Yap Ah Loy and venerated as Sze Si Ya, sharing the same incense in the temple with Sin Si Ya.

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