THE historic Taoist Thean Hock Keong Temple in Bagan Ajam wants a short stretch of 300 metres to be accorded the name of Jalan Tokong Naga (Dragon Temple Lane), not the entire main road of Jalan Pantai Bersih in Butterworth.
Responding to an outcry from political parties such as PKR and Umno, the temple secretary Ng Choong Seong clarified that the temple committee did not want the entire Jalan Pantai Bersih to be renamed as Jalan Tokong Naga.
In reality, it wants the Jalan Pantai Bersih name to be maintained.
It just wanted a small turn - in stretch to be accorded the name to mark the historic significance and value of the temple, said Ng in a statement.
He said that the temple is one of the oldest of its kind in Penang.
And as the state was renowned for its heritage and strong traditional as well as cultural values, which are outstanding universally, Ng said that the temple decided to propose the name.
"We are not seeking to rename Jalan Pantai Bersih, which measures 1.1 km (key artery road in Butterworth). Just a small stretch only."
The stretch lies in front of the temple, and previously, such a name was accorded, but due to the passage of time, the authorities overlooked it.
"The residents in Began still recall the stretch being called Jalan Tokong Naga."
The stretch covers the boundaries of four properties - the temple, an additional Chinese deity shrine and the office of the Began Ajam fire and rescue volunteers’ association.
"We have no intention of causing any alarm or unrest among the community."
The name of Jalan Tokong Naga was actually inscribed in the temple since 1951.
"We hope that our clarification can provide a true account of our request."
Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who is the former Penang Chief Minister, was criticised by various quarters over his suggestion to name the road as Jalan Tokong Naga.
His successor as chief minister, Chow Kon Yeow had said that the state will study the proposal to rename part of the stretch as Jalan Tokong Naga. - January 21, 2026.
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