HISTORY OF TEW SENG KENG
Founded in 1951 by Retired Military Personnel
The founding spirit medium, Khoo Leong Fatt, was originally a retired soldier. Through a miraculous spiritual manifestation of Tew Seng Keng, he was chosen as a medium to establish a temple for divine consultations.
Due to the strong faith and devotion of believers witnessing the deity’s spiritual presence, a modest Attap-roofed temple was first built at Kampung Tengah (the current open space diagonally opposite the Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry). Following divine instructions through the medium, the temple was named Tew Seng Keng Temple.
Photo of the Directors, Staff and Founders of Tew Seng Keng Temple – 23 July 1952
Origin of Tew Seng Keng and The Founders
The Founders included Khoo Leong Fatt, Huang Yan Xia, Khoo Liang Zhi, Ng Chin Chooi, Lin Zheng Rou, Lin Cheng Bao, Zhang Jin Fa, Li Yan Xi, Li Si Pu, Lin Jin Xing, Zheng Ru Zeng, Lin Qing You and others.
当时召集发起人计有邱良发、黄延夏、邱良治、黄振水、林正柔、林成豹、张金发、李炎喜、李斯普、林金星、郑如曾、林清友等。
Under the leadership of the first furnace owner Liu Zhao, with the help and support of many kind-hearted believers, Taoist priests were hired to set up an altar and pray for peace and prosperity in the country and the people, and for prosperous business. There were also Fujian opera performances at night. It was a grand event in the area at that time.
首届炉主刘招带动下， 得到众善信徒协助支持，聘请道士设坛作醮祈求国泰民安，生意兴隆，入夜也有闽剧演出，当时在本区域可说是大盛会。
Deity’s Birthday
Since then, following tradition, there have been two annual celebrations: one on the 23rd day of the 7th Lunar month to commemorate the Deity’s Birthday, and another on the 23rd day of the 10th Lunar month to honor the Foundation Day.
Every three years, Tew Seng Keng temple follows the divine decree of Zhang Gong Shengjun (Main God) to select an auspicious date for a grand procession of deities within the local area. Associate temples are also invited to participate in the festivities. The procession includes a five-colored flag team leading the way, followed by the incense furnace, grand banners, dragon and tiger flags, and the sacred palanquin. The oracle boy (乩童) is granted the divine vanguard sword to perform rituals along the route. The deities’ statues are carried in both civil and martial sedan chairs, accompanied at times by bands, lion dances, dragon dances, and decorative floats. Devotees, barefoot and holding incense, join the grand parade, forming a magnificent and awe-inspiring procession.
Notably, in the early years of celebrating Zhang Gong Shengjun’s birthday, it was customary for the deity to first make a stop at Zi Yun Ting (Purple Cloud Pavilion) to pay respects to Wu Ji Guanyin Temple before proceeding with the official celebrations. According to elders, this tradition originated because Zhang Gong Shengjun initially had a designated seat in the home of the oracle Khoo Leong Fatt (which later became Tew Seng Keng Temple). Still, the Wu Ji Guanyin Deity was enshrined there first. As a sign of respect, Zhang Gong Shengjun would, before his annual birthday celebration, visit Zi Yun Ting after spirit writing rituals to formally invite Wu Ji Guanyin to Tew Seng Keng Temple to preside over the event.
In the early days, the Qing Jiao (purification ceremony) was presided over by Taoist priest Lin Jintu (Jingzhong). Later, the role was passed down to his son, Lin De An. Together, father and son served the Tew Seng Keng temple for approximately 60 years, it is a rare and remarkable legacy among the temples of Klang.
以后依年例每年农历七月二十三日神诞, 十月二十三日肇基发祥日， 都有举行二次庆典。
本宫每隔三年循张公圣君圣驾下旨, 择日举行诸神出巡本境, 并得到友庙到场助兴。队伍计五色旗令队引仙炉、大旗、龙虎旗、圣驾赐先锋宝剑给乩童开营人员随队伍沿途布阵施法， 诸神金身供座文武轿， 有时有军乐队、舞狮、舞龙、花车等, 随赤足持香众信徒， 形成浩浩荡荡队伍游行。
值得一提的是， 本宫早年每庆祝张公圣诞时， 张公圣君必到紫云亭引接乌髻观宫, 过后才开始进行庆典。据老一辈说, 这是因为张公圣君早在乩童邱良发的家 (后设张圣宫) 坐位前， 先由乌髻观音为主，因此张公圣君为表示对乌髻观音的尊重, 每年圣诞庆典开始前，特地在扶乩后步行到紫云亭尊请乌髻观音到张圣宫上座助兴。
早期设清醮由林金土(敬忠)道士主持， 过后传给其子林德安，父子两人务本宫约 60年历史， 这在巴生神庙中罕见。
Scenes of Tew Seng Keng Temple’s early participation in the deity procession organized by Zi Yun Ting
Relocation of Tew Seng Keng Temple
Tew Seng Keng Temple was relocated in 1984 due to a fire incident, moving to a location owned by Mr. Khoo Leong Huat at Jalan Tiong (中路芭). It remained there until the 1990s, and then the temple was moved again to a terraced house at Jalan Tiong, opposite Klang Parade (百利广场).
As the original site of Tew Seng Keng Temple was developed into a commercial area, the temple was forced to relocate. On January 28, 1991, under the leadership of Honorary Chairman Mr. Tan Chun Chee (名誉主席陈春枝), fundraising efforts were launched with the support of community leaders, generous donors, devotees, and the temple’s then-chairman — who was also the founding trance medium — to purchase a terraced house. Mr. Tan Chun Chee’s (名誉主席陈春枝) dedication and deep love for the temple were truly admirable and worthy of respect.
张圣宫于1984年因发生火患而搬迁至邱良发位于中路芭 (Jalan Tiong )，一直至90年代搬迁到中路一支半的排屋 (百利广场对面)。
由于张圣宫旧地发展成为商业区域而造成本宫被迫搬迁，在1991年1月 28日，在名誉主席陈春枝带领下，向社会贤达、热心人士、善男信女及当时的本宫主席; 也是开基乩童配合下，展开筹款，购买排屋。陈春枝表现热爱本宫的精神，可说难能可贵及值得可予敬佩。
Establishment of the Grand Flag Troupe | Flags Standing 36 Feet Tall
Another significant milestone for our temple was the formation of the Grand Flag Troupe, led by Mr. Lau Kim Chuan, with coach Lee Boon Seng, Hwang Hock Chai, Lim Poh Soo, Tan Cheng Chian, Ma Eng Poh, Chua Chee Hua, Lee Teck Hock, and Lim Pui Ken, among others.
The grand flags stand at 36 feet tall. Thanks to the well-trained team, they are capable of performing various complex and high-level routines. This is another proud achievement of our temple.
本宫另一个创举是成立大旗队, 由刘金泉领导，教练李文升、黄福仔、林宝树、陈正前、马荣保、蔡志华、李得福、林培根等等。大旗高36尺，由于队伍训练有素，能做各样各式高难度表演等，这也是本宫光荣的一项。
Establishment of Five Battalion Headquarters (成立五营部) | First in the Region
Our temple was the first in the region to establish the “Five Battalion Headquarters”. These heavenly soldiers and generals originate from five directions — East, South, West, North, and Center — each representing a different battalion of divine troops.
The “Five Battalion Headquarters” was led by Mr. Khoo Leong Chee, who trained them in chanting mantras, drills, and formation strategies. This empowered them with an invisible force to support and enhance the divine powers of the deities.
Sea Offering Ceremony
Every 3 or 5 years, God Zhang Sheng Jun gives instructions during a trance session to hold a Sea Offering Ceremony. The purpose is to deliver and bring peace to the wandering souls of those who unfortunately lost their lives in accidents at Port Klang. A paper effigy master is invited to craft a massive ceremonial boat, with the figure of Guanyin Bodhisattva at the bow to guide the souls to the afterlife. This reflects the boundless spiritual power of God Zhang Sheng Jun.
Devoutly Worshiping the Deity
Passing Down the Faith through Generations.
One of the founders, Mr. Wong Yim Ha, and his son Mr. Ng Chin Chooi, devoutly worshipped the Deity. Under the protection and blessings of the Deity, their children achieved success in their careers. Later, the late Temple Head Ng Chin Chooi and his children, including Dato’ Dr. George Ng and his siblings, sincerely worked together to organize various ceremonial events.
Ex-temple caretakers (炉主) included Lau Chao, Wong Fook Lai, Yip Mo Chu, Yeoh Ching Sui, Ngan Mai, Lee Swee Ming, Cheng Soo Or, Tan Ee Chu, Lee Yok Leong, Tan Wu Tow, Wong Boon Bee, Too Kang Shen, Yi Mo Machinery, and many other devoted individuals. They all worshipped the Deity with deep sincerity and devotion. Some of these devotees have since passed on — may their spirits, guided by the power of the Deity, find peace in another realm.
The late spiritual medium Mr. Khoo Leong Fatt, who established the altar in its early days, made significant contributions to the temple. He served as a medium for several decades and was dedicated to spreading the teachings and presence of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun. His wife, Madam Wong Tai Tee, also contributed a lot to temple affairs.
His son, Mr. Khoo Yee Thiam, later became the second-generation spiritual medium (司銮) of the temple, continuing his father’s legacy of service. Another second-generation medium was the late Mr. Ngan Fook Chai.
发起人之一的黄延夏和儿子黄振水诚心供奉法主公，在法主公的庇佑下，子女事业皆有所成。往后，已故黄振水宫主与子女拿督黄德和兄弟姐妹等，诚心协力展开各项庆典活动。前期炉主计有刘招、黄福来、叶武珠、杨清水、颜买、李瑞明、郑素娥、陈义诸、 李玉良、陈乌斗、黄文美、杜庚申、艺模机械、还有其他热心人士等，都诚心膜拜法主公，可说是对法主公非常的诚心。信徒有些已故，愿他们的真灵在法主公的法力下，引伸到另外一个境地。
肇基设坛已故邱良发乩童对本宫的贡献良多，他当乩童几十载，对张公圣君的发扬工作，作出很多奉献，其妻子黄带娣也对坛务贡献不少。
邱良发儿子邱宜添过后也成为本宫第二代的乩童司銮，父子两代都为本宫服务。第二代的乩童司銮是已故颜福财。
Development Timeline
2001
- 50th Anniversary Celebration & Float Parade
22nd day of the 7th Lunar Month in 2001, the temple celebrated its 50th founding anniversary with a grand float parade and published a special commemorative issue.
2003
- Official Registration & Establishment of the Committee
February 20, 2003, the temple received its official registration certificate. Membership recruitment began, and the first committee election was held. Dato’ Dr. George Ng, PhD, was elected chairman by popular vote.
2004
- Installation of Deity Statues & Temple Renovation
Chairman Ng Teck Seng led the committee to China to commission statues of Zhang Gong, Xiao Gong, and Hong Gong to be enshrined in the temple. Renovation works followed, costing RM28,268.30. In the same year, Tew Seng Keng Temple set a Yin Altar and conducted the “Sacrifice to the Earthly Realm” ritual.
2005
- Sea Sacrifice Ceremony & Paper Boat Burning Tradition
Following divine instructions from Zhang Gong Sheng Jun, the “Sea Sacrifice” ceremony was held on the night of the 22nd day of the 7th Lunar Month, with the burning of a paper boat.
2006
- Celebration of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun’s Birthday
Included a fire-walking ceremony to celebrate the birthdays of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun and other deities.
2007
- Birthday Celebration for Zhang Gong Sheng Jun
-Successful Oil Cauldron Walk & Peace Bridge Ceremony
The events on the 22nd day of the 7th Lunar Month included walking over the oil cauldron and crossing the Peace Bridge, drawing enthusiastic participation from devotees. In the same year, Yang Chong Ming (ASA) was elected as the new chairman.
2008
- Oil Cauldron Walk & Peace Bridge Celebration
- Temple Construction Fundraising Banquet
After the Oil Cauldron Walk & Peace Bridge Celebration, a Temple Construction Fundraising Banquet was held at Klang Hokkien Association to raise funds for temple construction.
2009
- Firewalking Ceremony & Grand Peace Banquet
The third-generation spirit medium, Yan Fook Chai has completed his divine journey. The responsibilities were taken over by the fourth-generation spirit medium, Teo Guan Run, who—while possessed by the Great Sage, Heaven’s Equal (Qi Tian Da Sheng)—conducted the fire-walking ritual and hosted the grand peace thanksgiving banquet.
2010
-59th Anniversary Celebration
- Introduced the First Grand Flag Team
- Collaborated with Zi Yun Ting to establish a Chinese Drum Troupe
To mark the 59th anniversary, a float parade and celestial patrol led by Zhang Gong Sheng Jun were held on the night of August 31. The event featured participation from Penang Jelutong Sam Hai Kong Temple’s Holy Heavenly Mother (Mazu 天上圣母), Thousand-Li Eye (Qian Li Yan 千里眼), Far-Hearing God (Shun Feng Er 顺风耳大神甲) making their first journey outside the island. The Penang Gelugor Lian Hua Dian Temple’s Marshal of the Central Altar (中坛元帅) Electric-Techno Neon Gods (电音太子大神甲) also made its first appearance in Klang. The 9-kilometer-long parade stirred great excitement, with over 50 friendship temples participating.
Tew Seng Keng Temple introduced its first grand flag team in 2010, performing high-flag maneuvers in the streets during the parade.
Tew Seng Keng collaborated with Zi Yun Ting to form a Drum Troupe (Flower Drum), blending traditional spirit with creative artistic elements to revitalize and preserve the legacy of flower drum culture. This initiative once again brought a sacred brilliance to the temple.
The Drum Troupe requires a five-person ensemble, where skillful techniques and seamless teamwork create powerful and melodious rhythms—resembling the commanding presence of a mighty general issuing orders, turning into a stirring anthem of courage.
The troupe’s training was led by Lin Shang Yuan from Zi Yun Ting, with initiators from Tew Seng Keng including Xie Sheng Hui, Ng Say Hui, Li Jian Yi, Chen Jia Wan, Lin Xin Yi, Chen Ju Yi, and Ji Guo De.
2011
- 60th Anniversary Celebration
- Publication of the 60th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet
- Grand Peace Banquet
Deputy Chairman Ooi Ah Khau (PJK) was elected the new chairman. Together with new Secretary-General Tan Chong Woon and the committee, published the 60th-anniversary commemorative booklet.
A grand peace banquet was held at Klang Hokkien Association on August 24 (25th day of the 7th Lunar Month).
2014
- Selangor’s First Temple Dedicated to the Three Deities Zhang, Xiao, and Hong
- Grand Debut of the Da Shen Jia Ritual Dance
26th January 2014, the first temple in Selangor was established to enshrine the three deities — Zhang, Xiao, and Hong — along with their Da Shen Jia (Great Deity Armors), followed by a solemn consecration ceremony. The temple presented a Da Shen Jia ritual dance performance, attracting throngs of devotees to witness and worship.
Da Shen Jia, also known as “Da Shen Kuang” or “Shen Jiang” (Divine Generals), are deity puppets that are an important part of Taiwanese temple fair culture. In temple processions, they play a crucial role. Their performances resemble lion dances, where selected disciples of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun don divine armor and wear lifelike deity headgear to perform lively and vivid ritual formations.
This ritual dance helps ward off wandering spirits at crossroads, prays for road safety, and also serves the purpose of home protection and evil dispelling.
The Da Shen Jia were generously donated and introduced from Taiwan by Honorary Chairman Dato’ Dr. George Ng. Vice Chairman Zheng Mu Min contributed the Xiao Gong Da Shen Jia, and the Hong Gong Da Shen Jia was donated by Ooi Ah Khau. The ritual was led and choreographed by temple leader Zheng Jian Min, with disciples Fu Ce Hong, Xie Sheng Hui, Huang Shi Hui, Zheng Tai Lu, Lin Guo Qiang, and Ji Guo De undertaking the training and formation.
2015
- Land Approval for New Tew Seng Keng Temple
In 2015, the Selangor state government officially issued a letter approving a plot of land in Bandar Bukit Raja (current site) for the construction of the new Tew Seng Keng Temple.
2016
- New Milestone for Tew Seng Keng Temple
Ng Teck Seng became Chairman in 2016 and immediately set out to develop the new Tew Seng Keng Temple, leading the committee toward a significant milestone.
2019
- Groundbreaking Ceremony for Tew Seng Keng Temple
A modest yet solemn piling ceremony was held in 2019. The temple was originally expected to be completed in two years, but the timeline was delayed due to the pandemic.
2023
- Official Opening of Tew Seng Keng Temple
- Grand Welcoming Ceremony for the Deities
- 72nd Anniversary Celebration
- Grand Banquet for Deities’ Birthdays
The new Tew Seng Keng Temple was officiated on September 3, 2023, and held a grand welcoming ceremony for the deities.
To celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the temple’s founding and the birthdays of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun and other deities, a grand banquet with 120 tables was held. Nine auspicious offerings were auctioned enthusiastically by devotees, raising a total of RM80,795.
2024
- New Direction for Tew Keng Seng Temple
- 73rd Anniversary Celebration
- Grand Banquet for Deities’ Birthdays
Barry Ng was officially elected as the new Chairman, leading the committee into a new chapter of development.
From November 21 to 23 (21st to 23rd day of the 10th Lunar Month), Tew Seng Keng Temple celebrated its 73rd anniversary and the birthdays of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun and the deities with a grand peace banquet ceremony.
The golden statue of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun was relocated from the old temple to the new temple many years ago.
Tew Seng Keng Temple in Klang stands as a majestic and magnificent building, blending traditional and modern design elements, showcasing rich cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship.
With strong and thriving devotion, the temple is actively involved in charitable work and community welfare. Looking ahead, it aspires to become a hub for cultural exchange and community service, as well as a unique tourist attraction.
After several relocations, Tew Seng Keng Temple is now situated on a hillside along Persiaran Astana in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang. The temple features a splendid and elegantly traditional interior and exterior design, with a classic aesthetic and dazzling golden splendor.
We sincerely hope that devotees from all walks of life will continue to give their full support to our temple — through contributions, efforts, and heartfelt worship. May Zhang Gong Sheng Jun extend his divine power and blessings far and wide, granting all devotees success in their wishes, peace, prosperity, and thriving businesses.
Since the founding of Tew Seng Keng Temple, there has generally been no detailed documentation. If there are any omissions or inaccuracies in the above account, we kindly ask for your understanding and tolerance.
