StarMetro report on Feb 24.
THE decision to privatise operations of Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) crematorium will be reviewed if there are objections, says V. Papparaidu.
The Selangor human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman was responding to G. Gunaraj (PH-Sentosa), on the need for MBPJ to privatise the facility in Section 51A.
StarMetro had reported on Feb 24 that MBPJ wanted to privatise operations of its crematorium and was preparing paperwork for the state’s approval.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon was quoted as saying that the privatisation would include refurbishment and enhancement of the crematorium, as well as a new columbarium, casket showroom, mortuary preparation room and management office.
Papparaidu said there was a high demand for cremation services.
“If MBPJ has agreed to privatise its crematorium’s operations, I am sure there was a reason.
“For instance, the Chinese community needs a columbarium and suitable amenities to conduct their prayer rituals.
“If you (Gunaraj) think the move is not right, please write to my office and we will go over the details together.
“You are also a member of the state’s Special Committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (Limas),” he said during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam.
Limas is a state committee formed to efficiently manage and resolve issues concerning land applications and affairs of non-Muslim houses of worship.
Papparaidu said there was a need for a crematorium in every local authority.
He said Limas was in the midst of gathering data from all 12 local authorities.
“Once I receive the report, I would suggest all local authorities have their own crematoriums.
“Although the council-run crematoriums are predominantly used by the Hindu community, Sikhs and Buddhists use them too.
“These crematoriums were used by all during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Sometimes, the waiting list is very long. We need to provide cremation services in a timely manner,” he said.
To an initial question from Preakas Sampunathan (PH-Kota Kemuning) on the management of non-Muslim cemeteries, Papparaidu said responsibility for maintaining non-Muslim cemeteries fell under local authorities since 2014.
However, he said some Hindu cemeteries were managed by local associations and temple management bodies.
“Local authorities must ensure that non-Muslim cemeteries are well-maintained,” he said.
Papparaidu added that Limas was preparing a report on land allocated to associations for the construction of places of worship which had remained undeveloped for an extended period.
Lwi Kian Keong (PH-Sungai Pelek) had asked if the land could be repurposed.
“I agree with Sungai Pelek on this matter. The waiting list for such land is very long, and it could be allocated to other interested parties,” Papparaidu said.
