Statue of St Anne at the chapel in Kuala Sangga, Perak. Photo: Ben Lopez
Nestled in a small fishing village along the estuary of Sungai Sepetang in Perak, about a 30-minute boat ride away, lies a symbol of religious tolerance that is increasingly rare in Malaysia today. The century-old St Anne’s Chapel, though located in a Chinese Buddhist village, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of faiths.
What makes this chapel remarkable is that there isn't a single Christian among the residents of this Teochew community, yet it is lovingly maintained by the village’s Buddhist population. The approximately 100 residents, all devotees of the local Chinese temple, take great pride in preserving this Catholic chapel.
During a recent visit with church members from Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, I was both enlightened and deeply moved. As a Catholic, I had never heard of this chapel before, but the experience left a lasting impression.
The journey to Kuala Sangga began with a half-hour boat ride from Kuala Sepetang (Port Weld). After disembarking – a bit of a challenge for all of us – we walked a few hundred yards to reach the chapel. The effort was well worth it.
We arrived at a concrete jetty, then walked along a narrow bridge about 30m long to the village, where houses are built on stilts, backing onto the mangrove swamp. The entire village is interconnected by a network of concrete and wooden bridges, and the first sight greeting visitors is the village’s humble kopitiam.
Despite the discomfort of the motorboat ride, the beauty of St Anne’s Chapel more than compensated. At the chapel's entrance stands a graceful statue of St Anne, welcoming visitors. There is no water or electricity supply to the chapel, but the resourceful villagers collect rainwater and use small generators for electricity.
The statue of St Anne at the chapel in Kuala Sangga, Perak. Photo: Ben Lopez
What struck me most was the deep care the Buddhist villagers showed for this Catholic chapel. They treat it with reverence, preserving its heritage as if it were their own. The chapel, a small concrete building nestled between rows of village houses, sits on the eastern side of the village.
The villagers, simple folk engaged in small businesses and fishing, lead modest lives. Yet they are rich in spirit, displaying extraordinary generosity and respect for this house of worship. Their actions reflect a remarkable commitment to religious tolerance, serving as an inspiring model for the rest of the country.
This small village shines as a beacon of hope. Its people are an embodiment of the values we should all strive for – mutual respect, understanding, and harmony.
God bless this tiny village – a shining star on the Malaysian landscape. I remain an optimist, believing that with respect for each other’s race, religion, culture, and traditions, we can indeed live together in peace and harmony as Malaysians.
