BAU: The Musi dragon in Bau has become a new attraction here in Kampung Musi.
The largest dragon sculpture in Sarawak is said to be completed in its construction in January this year at the Lung Hua Kong Musi Temple.
With its completion, the temple’s deputy chairman Lee Siaw Min said that it has attracted many people to the temple to see the dragon sculpture.
“After its soft launch ceremony, which was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and the dragon was painted with colours, many people flocked to the temple to see the dragon and took pictures with it.
“Now it has even gone viral in Facebook. With the popularity that it has garnered, we want this sculpture to be a tourism spot for the village so that it can help the community in terms of improving the economy here,” said the deputy chairman.
For the record, the said sculpture had become popular after a user in Facebook posted a picture of the sculpture on April 8 and garnered more than 2,000 likes.
“So far, I think this is the largest dragon sculpture in Sarawak. I do not know if there is any huge sculpture like this in the state. But as far as I know, this is the largest,” added Lee.
Lee also said that the dragon features an automated system, whereby it can be controlled using phones such as switching on or off the lighting systems installed in the dragon.
He said that the lights can be turned on and off using phones via internet connection at any distance as long as long as there is an internet connection.
Lung Hua Kong Musi Temple chairman Chai Ng Khiun added that the construction of the dragon was encouraged by Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep after he won the state election.
“He asked whether we want to build the dragon sculpture at the temple, and yes we do want it. So he helped us and contributed to the construction.
“I cannot say the amount of the cost of construction as we are still in the process of constructing the inner parts of the dragon,” said Chai when met at the temple yesterday.
Nevertheless, more funds are needed as the work inside the dragon has yet to be completed.
On top of that, the temple also planned to add a small exhibition with photos and history of the temple and the community living in Kampung Musi.
This 115-year-old temple has hosted many events such as lion dance competitions, Chinese New Year celebrations and Chap Goh Mei.
“Therefore, I hope more people will come here to see the dragon and take pictures with it.
“I am happy that this place is becoming a tourism spot; at least it can help the community here in generating income.
“I also hope that Kampung Musi will be more developed in the coming years and becoming an attraction spot for people to come,” said Chai.
