Prominent Bentong Figures in the Pre-WWII Era
Bentong is a small town with a history as colourful as the people who inhabit it. From noble characters such as Mr Loke Yew, who has done much for the establishment of Bentong town, to the Chinese labourers who toiled to build up the town’s infrastructure, Bentong has been fortunate to have these people throughout its development. The main purpose of this article is to recognise and more importantly, to remind the younger generation of the previous generation’s contribution in pioneering the development of Bentong.
Prominent figures who have contributed to the development of Bentong town
In this article, I will explore some of the key figures who have contributed significantly to the development of modern Bentong today. It should be emphasised that this article will focus on two main groups of people namely Mr Loke Yew and his business partners and the founders of the celebrated Bentong landmark, the Chinese Town Hall.
Loke Yew and His Partners
The story of modern Bentong begins with the discovery of mines by the British in 1889. Nevertheless, large-scale commercial mining activities did not really get off the ground until Loke Yew and his partners Cheong Fatt Tze and Chia Choon Seng joined hands to form a partnership to explore the tin mines of Bentong.
Their partnership was the catalyst that galvanised the tin mining industry in Bentong as the partners pooled their resources and expertise to create a conducive environment crucial for economic development.
Loke Yew: Spearheading Bentong Development
A statue of the late Mr. Loke Yew
In 1845, Loke Yew was born with the surname Wong in a village located in the Xinhui district of Guangdong Province, China. Spurred on by economic hardship and poverty in his homeland, he left China in 1858 to seek a better life in Singapore. There, he worked initially as a shop assistant and a few years later, he was able to open his first provision shop named Tong Hing Loong.
After managing his business for five years, Loke Yew decided to expand his business to Malaya, in particular the highly profitable tin-mining sector. He first began by investing in the tin mines of Larut (now Taiping). After several years in the business and with the support of the British colonial administration, Loke Yew gained control of the main tin mining operations in the states of Perak, Selangor and Pahang. When the British approached him for funding in 1887, Loke Yew decided to invest further in the tin mines of Bentong.
One of Loke Yew’s most important contributions is the pivotal role he played in spearheading the development of Bentong town. With his immense wealth and resources, Loke Yew was able to bring thousands of Chinese labourers to Bentong to work in the tin mines. This in turn provided the pre-requisite population for the birth of a new town. In addition, he was able to construct roads to improve accessibility to Bentong from other parts of Malaya. In fact, the roads that he constructed became the foundation for infrastructure development in and around Western Pahang.
The main road of Bentong town is named Loke Yew Road
Aside from his business interests in Bentong, Loke Yew was a great philanthropist in that he contributed generously to improve the living standards of the locals. For example, the Kwong Fook Temple in Bentong which serves as the local place of worship was refurbished in the late 19th century with financial assistance from Loke Yew. Today, Bentong residents have commemorated this great iconic figure by naming one of the main roads in Bentong after him, ‘Jalan Loke Yew’.
Apart from Loke Yew, we should not forget the contributions of other pioneers who have dedicated a tremendous amount of time and resources towards the development of Bentong. Below are some of the other key contributors to the town.
Cheong Fatt Tze: A Key Connection
Cheong Fatt Tze, also known as ‘Zhang Bi Shi’
Cheong Fatt Tze, originally born in Dapu, Guangdong Province in 1840 was a rich politician and businessman who, throughout his life, contributed significantly to the development of Bentong. During his early days, he lived in a China ravaged by years of civil war and consequently had to endure much hardship and poverty. At the tender age of 17, he left China for Southeast Asia to strive for his own survival.
Upon leaving China, his first destination was Batavia (now Jakarta) which was then known as the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). He worked at a provision shop in Batavia for a few years before amassing sufficient capital to start his own business venture in 1877. Subsequently, he expanded his business from Batavia throughout the Dutch East Indies, focusing mainly on the supply of goods and dairy provisions to the Dutch army and navy in Indonesia.
After Cheong Fatt Tze made his fortune in the Dutch East Indies, he expanded his business to Malaya in 1886 where he engaged in a wide spectrum of businesses including mining, plantation, shipping and medical halls. It was during this period that he decided to enter into a partnership with Mr. Loke Yew to develop the tin mines in Bentong. By investing financial and human capital into the local economy, he helped to spur on economic growth in the region. Without his contribution, Bentong’s mining industry would not have grown so rapidly.
In recognition of his hard work and contributions, the Qing Chinese government appointed Cheong Fatt Tze as the Chinese Counsel to Malaya in 1890. As Chinese Counsel, he worked tirelessly to safeguard the interests of Chinese workers in Malaya including those in Bentong. Through diplomatic channels and his strong network in the colonial government, he played a key role in persuading the British administration to allow him and his partners to set up Chinese schools and improve the healthcare and sanitary facilities in Bentong.
Chia Soon Seng: Investing in Bentong
Chia Soon Seng
Chia Soon Seng was born in Pontianak, Borneo (now Indonesia) in 1847. His ancestors hailed from Jiaying in Guangdong Province. Upon amassing his wealth in Sumatra, Indonesia, he emigrated to Penang and became one of Cheong Fatt Tze’s neighbours. Subsequently, both became close associates and were involved in several business ventures including the founding of Bank Deli in Medan, the first Chinese-owned bank in Indonesia.
When Loke Yew was seeking business partners to participate in a joint venture to develop the tin mines of Bentong, Chia Soon Seng was also invited to participate alongside Cheong Fatt Tze. Neither hesitated and contributed significant capital towards the business. As he accumulated more wealth from the mining venture, Chia Soon Seng contributed financially to the development of Chinese schools as well as healthcare for the labourers and the town.
The Founders of Chinese Town Hall
The Kwangsi Association Bentong building
The majority of Chinese folk in Bentong arrived in the late 19th century as a result of Loke Yew and his partners deciding to develop the mining industry in the area. Over time, the Chinese came together to form fraternity associations in the town. The “Tongmenghui” was first set up in 1906 at No. 91, Ah Peng Street (now Sang Cheong Jewellery store) and was originally intended to serve as a platform to promote and support the Chinese revolution spearheaded by Dr. Sun-Yat Sen back in China.
With the passage of time, a huge plethora of Chinese associations were established. Eventually in 1914, five leaders from the five main Chinese clans in Bentong decided to pool their resources and form the Bentong Chinese Town Hall. The five men were Tang Siew Mun JP (Guangdong), Hoh Wah Kee (Hainanese), Tan Lian JP (Hokkien), Mun Fong (Hakka), and Chow Tak Heng (Guangxi). Together, they initiated the construction and establishment of the Chinese Town Hall, thereby uniting all five major clans under one roof.
Bentong Chinese Town Hall 2018
By establishing the Chinese Town Hall, the founders were able to pool their collective strength to assist the local Chinese community. For example, the Chinese Town Hall was able to jointly build the main Chinese school in Bentong — Khai Mun School. Khai Mun remains the biggest school and the main bastion for Chinese medium education in Bentong today.
Khai Mun Pagi
The Chinese Town Hall also helped to maintain and manage one of the town’s main temples, the Kwong Fook Temple. This is a key pilgrimage site for the local Chinese Buddhist community and many locals believe it plays a key role in maintaining the prosperity and peace of the town.
It is therefore worth emphasising that without the Chinese Town Hall, the residents of Bentong would be deprived of an organisation which has not only helped address community problems but has also acted as a spokesperson to voice the concerns of the community to the authorities. As such, it is probable that Chinese language and culture would not be so well-preserved in the absence of the Chinese Town Hall.
Kwong Fook Temple
Conclusion
For some members of present-day society, the contributions of prominent people in the pre-WWII era may be a distant past destined to be forgotten. Yet, all residents of Bentong continue to enjoy the byproduct of peace and development brought to the town by Bentong’s historical figures. Therefore, we must make it a point to remember their generosity and sacrifices because without them, Bentong would not be the rising star of Pahang that it is today.
For more interesting information:
- A Bentong Series
- A History of Bentong Town
- Chinese Influx to Bentong in the Early Days
- Go Bentong!
- Cleaning Up Bentong for Malaysia Day
- Reaching Out in Bentong
- Largest Dorje Shugden in the World
- Top 10 Spiritual Power Places in Malaysia
- Top 10 Hill and Jungle Adventures in Malaysia
- Top 10 Island Holidays in Malaysia
- Top 10 Events and Festivals to Visit in Malaysia
- Stronger Bond Between Malaysia and China
- Tsem Rinpoche’s Heritage in China
- 5-Foot Gyenze Statue Arrives in Kechara Forest Retreat
- Unique Dorje Shugden Oracle Statue in Kechara Forest Retreat
- The Importance of Tibet Befriending China
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Bentong is a town located in the western part of the Pahang.It is one of the towns which for the gains from tin mining had attracted the prominent Bentong entrepreneurs to Bentong in the Pre -WW11 era.
Loke Yew has contributed greatly to the development of Bentong during tin mining era.We must not forget the contribution of these people even though they existed a century ago.Thank you for the interesting sharing of the early history and origin of Bentong town.
It was a good read to learn up some history of Bentong. The past shapes the future. How Bentong is today is the result of the past. We should appreciate all the hard work initiated by the few of the prominent people mentioned about. It is also appropriate to mention that Bentong has also attracted the manifestation of a spiritual home, Kechara Forest Retreat, along Jalan Chamang which is en route to the beautiful waterfall of Bentong. Thank you again Lenard for sharing the roots of the modern development of Bentong, and the catalysts who were behind it. ???
Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche
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We should appreciate all the hard work initiated by the few of the prominent people mentioned about. Without them there could be no Bentong today. It is always good to learn the history so we learn to appreciate the existence of the place, people, industry and community. Thank you Lenard for sharing this piece of information to us.
As a “prominent figure” who has recently settled in Bentong, it was a good read to learn up some history of Bentong. The past shapes the future. How Bentong is today is the result of the past.
I feel grateful especially to the founders of the Chinese Town Hall in preserving Buddhism, Chinese culture, language and most of all peace within the community. I believe that Bentong’s harmonious community and religious acceptance is a contributing factor towards creating the perfect environment for Kechara’s retreat center to manifest.
Thank you again Lenard for sharing the roots of the modern development of Bentong, and the catalysts who were behind it. The Chinese when they first came to Malaya were nothing more than indentured slaves, who had to struggle so much to make it good in a foreign land because of survival and for better prospects. It is because of the previous waves of Chinese, that the Chinese descendants of today have a much better outlook and future.
Bentong has grown into a peaceful and developed town with so much potential for a bright future as a tourist hotspot , with the Chamang waterfall and spiritual sanctuary like Kechara Forest Retreat. What it is today is probably significantly owing to the contributions of its illustrious founders -Loke Yew, and his business partners Cheong Fatt Tze and Chia Choon Seng. Although the three came together as partners in tin-mining ventures in Bentong and elsewhere, they worked together to ensure the development of Bentong , particularly in the early years.
Loke Yew brought the labourers from China for his tin mines and they formed the backbone of the first settlers that created the township. He then built roads and infrastructure that are essential for a town, as well as a temple to cater for the spiritual needs of the people and, above all, he improved their living standards in general. Cheong Fatt Tze and Chia Soon Seng worked tirelessly to set up the early schools and improve the healthcare and sanitary facilities in Bentong.
Thank you for the interesting sharing of the early history and origin of Bentong town.
Tin Mining and rubber plantations were the attractions which drew many distinguished Chinese forefathers to Malaysia from their homeland, China. Many stayed and became Malaysians and their offsprings are now the current Chinese population of Malaysia.
Bentong is one of the towns which for the gains from tin mining had attracted these Prominent Bentong entrepreneurs to Bentong in the Pre-WW11 era.
As the importance of tin mining diminished with time, Bentong is now known for the many tracts of plantations especially the King of fruits, Durians.
It is also appropriate to mention that Bentong has also attracted the manifestation of a spiritual home, Kechara Forest Retreat, along Jalan Chamang which is en route to the beautiful waterfall of Bentong.
Bentong is a town located in the western part of the Pahang. Having an interesting history backdated centuries ago . Through the history we can visualise how our forefathers lived had lived at that time. He has played a significant role in the growth of many towns in Malaya at that time. Bentong town was one of them, Loke Yew has contributed greatly to the development of Bentong during the tin mining era. The growth of the mining industry in Bentong has led to a huge number of Chinese migrants to Malaya. He was also a reputed philanthropist, contributing generously which earned him many honours. Other than Loke yew ,Cheong Fatt Tze a politician, businessman and Chia Soon Seng a businessman also has a role in the development of Bentong as well their contributions in the pre-WWII era must not be forgotten. Without them we might not be here as today. Their generosity and sacrifices will be well remembered.
Thank you Lenard Hu for this interesting sharing.
Thankful for the forefathers who brought with them development and prosperity to Bentong and also other parts of Malaysia which started way before our parents were born. During those days, many immigrants from China and other parts of South East Asia came to Malaysia and invested their wealth in this land that was rich in natural resources but otherwise raw and untouched. They made this land their home. Because of them, Bentong and other towns and cities in Malaysia are now beautiful, advance and thriving with businesses and industries that can compete in the world arena. We must not forget the contribution of these people even though they existed a century ago. Thank you for this sharing.