Sze Ya Temple is the oldest Taoist Temple in Kuala Lumpur, which was built by one of the founders of Kuala Lumpur, Kapitan Yap Ah Loy in 1864. Sze Ya Temple is the local version of Sin Sze Si Ya Temple. This temple is located at Jalan HS Lee adjacent to Kuala Lumpur Chinatown or Petaling Street area and Central Market.

Sze Ya Temple is dedicated to patron deities of Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya, who were the guardian deities for the local Chinese miners including the Kapitan Yap Ah Loy. Sze Ya Temple is unique in such that the two main deities worshipped here were not the traditional Chinese deities originating from China. Instead, it was the two local persons who were elevated to the position of deities based on their merit. It was believed that the prophecies of the deities Sze Ya had guided the Kapitan China and the local Chinese miners during the Selangor Civil War and made them to triumph. That is how these two persons happened to be worshipped by the locals. Hence, the two deities are considered to be patron deities of the locals of Kuala Lumpur.

Sze Ya Temple also houses several other deities, including the deified Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the third Kapitan Cina of Kuala Lumpur. The ornate interior and elaborate roof ridges are typical religious Chinese architecture based on Feng Shui principles. While visiting to Sze Ya Temple, visitors may see patrons.

On your visit to this temple, you might witness the practice of old Chinese customs, like prayers conducting worship to the gods and the ancestors. In addition, Sze Ya Temple is very enthusiasm with charity work through a trust which was established in 1907. The trust has 12 trustees that represent the different Chinese clans. Every year, two thirds of the Sze Ya Temple’s income is donated to charitable bodies for educational and medical purposes.

Sze Ya Temple Operating hours: Daily 8am to 6pm.
Contact: +60 3 2615 8188

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