Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) crematorium in Kampung Tunku will not be shut down while it undergoes an upgrade.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon gave this assurance following concerns raised by residents about the planned works.
The MBPJ-operated crematorium at Jalan 229, Section 51A, is set to be privatised and its facilities upgraded, including the addition of a columbarium.
“We are still in talks regarding this matter and more information will be shared soon.
“However, we are certain the service price will not be increased,” said Mohamad Zahri.
“We will also ensure that the crematorium continues its operations while the (upgrading) work takes place.”
He said MBPJ would still be the authority overseeing the facility, even if it was privatised.
“We have consulted with several groups on this matter to gather input from the stakeholders,” he said after the handover of two automated external defibrillators to the city council by Bandar Utama Rotary Club at Dewan BU 11, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.
Meanwhile, former Section 14 Residents Association chairman Selva Sugumaran said MBPJ should hold an open tender for the project and that the facility should not be managed by a faith-based operator.
He stressed that MBPJ should invite all non-Muslim religious groups and associations that use the facility, to participate in the decision-making process.
“In the past, the crematorium was primarily used by Hindus but it is currently used by all non-Muslims, so MBPJ should include religious groups representing Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians.”
Selva also urged the city council to take into account the sensitivity of all religious groups when it came to the allocation of niches in the columbarium.
He recommended that MBPJ seek funding from the Federal Government to create affordable columbaria for each faith group.
“These services should never be profit-driven,” he added.
Former Petaling Jaya councillor Derek Fernandez said privatisation of the crematorium would have a huge socio-economic impact on the community, especially the poor and middle class.
He also said MBPJ should hold a dialogue with stakeholders.
“MBPJ’s crematorium offers affordable rates that compete with those of private operators.
“We cannot have this service be commercially oriented, without the public being assured that there will be no increase in charges.
“I am very proud that MBPJ has this affordable service, as does Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
“It means a lot to the public to be able to send off their loved ones in a dignified manner in a well-equipped setting.
“The availability of affordable service shows that the government cares,” said Fernandez.
Section 6 Rukun Tetangga chairman Rajesh Mansukhlal said residents were unhappy because the decision to privatise the crematorium was done without consulting them.
“We want to be consulted. The crematorium should not be privatised because it is a basic service. Privatisation will result in the costs borne by the public eventually.”
StarMetro had reported on Feb 24 that MBPJ wanted to privatise operations of its crematorium and was preparing paperwork for the state’s approval.
Mohamad Zahri had said the privatisation would include refurbishment and enhancement of the crematorium, as well as a new columbarium, casket showroom, mortuary preparation room, and management office.
