Heritage temple in Singapore appeals for return of missing tiger god statue taken from its altar
Rochore Tua Pek Kong Temple is seeking the safe return of a revered tiger god statue after CCTV captured an elderly man removing it from the altar late at night.
- Heritage tiger god statue removed from Rochore Tua Pek Kong Temple.
- CCTV captured an elderly man at the altar before the statue disappeared.
- Temple demands the statue’s return and warns of possible legal action.
SINGAPORE: A heritage temple in Singapore is appealing for the return of a missing tiger god statue, after staff discovered it had been displaced and removed from its altar in the early hours of 6 December.
The Rochore Tua Pek Kong Temple — also known as Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple — said the incident was first noticed on Saturday morning.
According to the temple’s statement on 7 December, surveillance footage captured an elderly man lingering around the tiger god altar between 11.48pm on 5 December and 12.15am on 6 December. The footage indicates that the statue was taken shortly after.
Temple Issues Public Appeal
Temple management stressed that the tiger god is a revered community deity, and urged the individual involved to return the statue “immediately and in its original condition”.
They warned that failure to do so would leave them no choice but to pursue legal avenues and press criminal charges.
Located at 249 Balestier Road, the temple was established in 1847 and is recognised as a cultural and religious landmark.
In its public appeal, the temple also reminded the public that buying or selling a deity statue constitutes a criminal offence and is considered deeply disrespectful.
Community Urged to Assist
The temple is asking anyone who can identify the man to encourage him to return the statue or to contact temple staff directly.
The management emphasised that the priority is the safe and respectful recovery of the sacred item, which holds historical and spiritual significance to generations of devotees.
