GEORGE TOWN, Sept. 14 -- Around the 1790s, when Cantonese immigrants arrived in Penang from China's Guangdong province, they formed an offshoot of the Hung League and called themselves Ghee Hin, meaning "the rise of righteousness."

Ghee Hin, made up mostly of Cantonese members, was a secret society that inducted sworn brothers, or heng tai, through blood oath.

According to historical records, it became one of the largest secret societies in Penang, boasting more than 20,000 members at its height, before being dissolved in 1890 when secret societies were banned.

It was Ghee Hin that established Ng Fook Thong, which translates as "five blessings hall," in 1819. It served as a base for the brotherhood to gather, provide accommodation, res...