The President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Ung Vai Meng, the head of the Cultural Heritage Department, Leong Wai Man, and others met with the A-Ma Temple Charity Association again this afternoon today, 11 February. The Bureau required the Association to coordinate on complying with the fire safety measures of temple and rectifying environmental issues, in order to prevent similar incidents in future.
The A-Ma Temple is a major part of the Historic Centre of Macao. In regards of the Prayer Hall of the A-Ma Temple damaged by fire yesterday, 10 February, IC has collaborated with the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) to conduct a preliminary inspection and estimation this morning, concluding that the damage to the major structure of the Prayer Hall including the main beam, wall and roof parts was not very serious and had no immediate danger. The wooden furnishings inside were severely damaged, including the altar, incense burner trestle table and plaques. The statue of the Goddess A-Ma, the item with the most historical value in the Prayer Hall, remains in a state of integrity and can be reversible in restoration.
In addition, IC estimates that the structural restoration works of the Prayer Hall can be completed within two or three months. However, as there are several wooden items such as the altar, incense burner trestle table and plaques which need to be restored, it would take at least a year before the Hall returns to its former state.
Ung Vai Meng and personnel in IC met with the Association again this afternoon and required the Association to coordinate with the follow-up works from IC, the Fire Service Bureau (CB) and the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT), including taking the integrated inspection on fire safety measures, rectifying on temple building and environment and recruiting qualified contractors for the restoration works. IC will fully support on composing the restoration plan and providing essential professional advice, assisting the Association to work on inventory items, record, transfer and arrange proper storage.
IC takes serious concern of this incident and calls all owners and administrators of heritage buildings including temple personnel, to protect the city’s heritage buildings properly, especially to take fire safety measures and caution when using electrical appliances.