Blessed Rock: Batu Kinyang, Jalan Rock, Kuching, Sarawak

This sandstone outcrop was considered by non-Christians as keramat or holy or of possessing miraculous powers. In the past, devotees would place items such as kueh, fruits, food, etc on top of the stone. These were either offerings in support of their petitions or in thanksgiving for prayers answered. Candles and joss sticks were also lighted on such occasions. This “religious” practice predates the arrival of James Brooke by a few hundred years. The Malays initiated it but it spread to other races including the Chinese.

When the Chinese came to Sarawak they, as was their custom, built schools, temples, jetties, bridges, sheds, etc. One of the sheds that was built in 1897 was that on top of the stone. Ong Kwan Hin of the Ong Tiang Swee clan had fallen seriously sick when he was a child. His mother went to pray at the outcrop for his recovery. After Ong regained his health, his mother arranged for a shed to be built there so that devotees could take shelter during hot and inclement weather.

A few local legends are associated with this stone. During the Japanese occupation, Ong Kwan Hin while cycling in the vicinity of the stone was run down by a Japanese officer’s car that was driven at great speed. Ong was knocked unconscious and presumed dead. Yet, at the General Hospital where he was brought, he was found not to have…