Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple Tourism

Top 5 Reviews on Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

• soh_kien_peng

  ★★★★4.0

  Wrote on 12 Jul 2023

  A symbol unifying the Chinese ethnic groups

  This temple was founded by Tan Hiok Nee, a wealthy and influential Teochew businessman in Singapore and Johor during the 19th century. Jalan Tan Hiok Nee which was a road located within walking distance from the temple was named after him. The temple is one of the oldest structure in Johor Bahru and become a unifying symbol among the 5 Chinese ethnic groups, namely, the Hokkein, the Cantonese, the Teochew, Hakka and Hainanese. The 5 deities in the temple are representative of each of the 5 ethnic groups: Yuan Tian Shang Di (????) (???) Hong Xian Da Di (????) (???) Gan Tian Da Di (????) Hua Guang Da Di (????) Zhao Da Yuan Shuai (????) Tan Hiok Nee was able to command the respect of the other ethnic groups because he was able to gain the favor of the Johor Sultan who appointed him as Major China of Johor, the highest ranking Chinese official in his government. Unlike the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British who came to colonalise Malaya, the Chinese like Hiok Nee amassed wealth through sheer diligence and entrepreurship and had no political ambition. They chose to live harmoniously with the local Malay rulers and help to create a peaceful and conducive business environment by unifying the Chinese ethnic groups . The prosperity of today Johor Bahru is due to the solid foundation laid down by these pioneers and the harmonious relationship enjoy by all the races. The Temple continues to be a living symbol of the mission of the Chinese entrepreneurs in Johor Bahru.