SELANGOR MCA is urging Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Selangor government to engage in public consultations and perform a thorough study on the proposed privatisation of the Jalan 229 crematorium.
The party said concerns from local communities, religious groups and other stakeholders should be considered before any decisions were made.
MCA vice-president and Selangor liaison committee chairman Datuk Lawrence Low criticised the lack of transparency in the decision to privatise, warning it could lead to higher cremation costs for residents.
“The crematorium serves many communities, yet there has been little engagement with those who depend on it,” Low told StarMetro.
He said the party had received feedback from bereaved families and religious organisations who felt their views were overlooked.
“These groups are concerned about the potential impact on their communities and the affordability of cremation services.
“MCA also calls for the formation of a working group that includes these stakeholders to monitor the privatisation process.
“There should also be a detailed study carried out before the privatisation goes ahead,” he added.
On Feb 24, StarMetro reported that Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon announced plans to upgrade the MBPJ crematorium in Section 51A with a columbarium, casket showroom, mortuary preparation room, and management office.
The project is expected to cost between RM8mil and RM12mil, with operations handed to a private company under a 21-year concession.
Mohamad Zahri stated that the city council would regulate prices and oversee the facility.
However, residents and community leaders have expressed concerns about long-term affordability.
Low urged MBPJ to explain why state funds could not be used for the upgrades.
“Selangor’s consolidated fund reserves have increased to RM4.13bil, up from RM3.61bil in 2023.
“The state government has set a revenue target of RM2.5bil for 2025.
“This suggests the state has the resources to improve the facility without involving private operators,” he noted.
Low said transparency was important to ensure public trust and prevent monopolistic pricing if privatisation was necessary.
“There is a need for strong regulatory oversight and transparency to ensure that any private operator is held accountable and that service pricing is subject to regular reviews.
“Additionally there should be a clear mechanism for public feedback and grievances, so that any unjustified price hikes can be addressed,” he said.
