Fujian Chinese community thrives in Kelantan's cultural melting pot

KOTA BARU: The Chinese community, who first arrived from Fujian in 1910, has seamlessly integrated into the Malay-majority culture of Kelantan, while also maintaining their rich and colourful tapestry of traditions.

Over the years, this community has flourished as a vibrant social melting pot, creating a unique blend of traditions, customs, and cultural practices.

Descendants of these Chinese immigrants, mostly ethnic Hokkien from southern China, settled in Kampung Cina.

Today, about 80 families continue to call this area home, many residing in traditional wooden houses with zinc roofs.

These homes, adorned with brightly coloured lanterns hanging from the porches, add to the village's lively and cultural atmosphere, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year.

These homes, adorned with brightly coloured lanterns hanging from the porches, add to the village's lively and cultural atmosphere, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year. - STR/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH
These homes, adorned with brightly coloured lanterns hanging from the porches, add to the village's lively and cultural atmosphere, particularly during festivals like Chinese New Year. - STR/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

The lanterns are a symbol of the Chinese heritage that remains deeply ingrained in the community.

Tan Lew Kin, an 82-year-old former trader, recalls that her great-grandfather was among the Chinese immigrants who arrived in Malaysia in 1910.

"They travelled by sea and settled near a river in Kelantan," she said. "They named the village 'Kampung Cina' because they were from China." Over time, the immigrants integrated with the local population, marrying local women and forming lasting bonds.

A stroll through Kampung Cina, located just 2.5 kilometres from the state capital Kota Bharu, reveals a community of self-employed residents.

Many operate motorcycle repair shops, food stalls, and consumer goods outlets. Tan, who once sold Chinese pastries and snacks, remembers how her late father would often tell her stories of the difficult early days of their ancestors.

One of the houses in Kampung Cina. -- STR/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH
One of the houses in Kampung Cina. -- STR/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

Dressed in a simple "mini-kebaya," a blue blouse paired with a traditional Malay sarung batik, Tan reflects on her heritage.

"As I am the only child, my father would share these stories with me, telling me how hard my great-grandfather and his friends worked to develop this village. He kept telling me the history until he passed away years ago."

She adds, "I don't mind continuing the tradition of wearing the mini-kebaya."

This Chinese community has also adopted loanwords from Kelantanese Malay, which continue to be used in their local Kelantan Hokkien dialect. Two examples include:

"Wa fa dooh" (I'm already full), with the Malay loanword saya kenyang dooh.

In the Kelantanese dialect, "Mu nak gi mana pulok?" (Where are you going?), with the loanword li ai khi talok pulok.

Tan, a mother of five, frequently reflects on her life experiences with her children and grandchildren. She feels lucky to be alive and able to share her story with her 10 grandchildren.

Meanwhile, Ong Mung Hong, a descendant of the village, recalls that his late grandfather, originally from China, arrived at the Sungai Kelantan riverbank in the early 1900s.

"After settling here with other immigrants, they named the area Kampung Cina," said the 73-year-old former teacher.

"The village became known not just for its unique name, but because all its residents were descendants of the original Chinese settlers."

Kampung Cina is the oldest Chinese settlement in Kelantan, with residents primarily descendants of immigrants who arrived during the reign of Long Yunus (1782-1795). Most are ethnic Hokkien from Fujian Province in southern China.

The village is split into two sections: Kampung Kuala (Kampung Cina Dalam) and Kampung Sungei Keladi (Kampung Cina Luar).

The most prominent Chinese temple in Kota Bharu, the Tin Hin Kong Temple, stands proudly in Kampung Cina, a testament to the enduring legacy of this close-knit community.

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