Record-breaking crowd at Miri’s Some Shak Lung Kung Temple’s annual charity rice giveaway

MIRI (Oct 6): The annual charity rice giveaway event at Some Shak Lung Kung Temple in Krokop 9 here today drew a record-breaking crowd of over 10,000 people.

Now at its 10th edition, the event distributed approximately 10,000 packets of 10kg rice, surpassing last year’s total of 8,500 packets.

The crowd began gathering at 6am, and by 8am, the queue stretched about 1.5 kilometres outside the temple.

Despite the large turnout, the event remained peaceful, with a medical unit on standby for emergencies.

Temple chairman Ng Hock Seng told The Borneo Post that they had deployed additional Rela personnel and engaged the police to maintain order during the rice distribution.

“We have had people faint due to overcrowding, hence the need for extra manpower to maintain order and calm the public,” he explained.

Ng thanked the generous people of Miri for their support, noting that despite surpassing last year’s number, it still isn’t enough to meet the growing demand.

“This event, held in conjunction with the Nine Emperor God’s birthday celebration, offers rice to everyone, regardless of race and religious background.

“Our only concern is whether we have enough to meet the local community’s needs, so we always welcome donations from kind-hearted individuals,” said Ng.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting congratulated the temple’s management, volunteers and donors for their efforts in making the event a great success.

“Miri people are very kind for selflessly donating rice to the temple, which is then distributed to those in need. The rice given out this year is estimated to be worth close to RM300,000, and given the economic situation, it is very tough to keep up (with) the number. So, to able to achieve this number is a collective effort from everyone,” said Ting.

He also thanked the temple for taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of the public, especially children and the elderly.

Also present at the event were director of Immigration and Labour Unit Richard Lon, Mayor Adam Yii who is also the Pujut assemblyman, the temple’s Sea Dragon Master Ng Khien Ku, and Chaw Zhe Jian who represented Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.