WITH burial space running out for Protestant Christians in the state, the Melaka Christian Cemetery Board (MCCB) is urgently raising funds to secure a new site.
MCCB chairman Richard Lim said the current two-hectare cemetery in Cheng, which has been in use for decades, now holds about 2,000 graves and can no longer meet the needs of nearly 60 member churches with a combined congregation of almost 7,000 people.
“MCCB, founded 56 years ago, is licensed to provide burial services for Protestant Christians in Melaka.
"Hence, we need a new site to continue providing these services,” he said in an interview on Friday (Aug 15).
Lim said a fundraising dinner will be held on Merdeka Day, Sunday, at Lu Yeh Yen Restaurant, Kota Laksamana.
“The aim is to raise funds for the development of a new cemetery and Melaka’s first Christian columbarium,” he said.
Lim said MCCB has initiated an RM1mil project to acquire the new burial land but an additional RM3mil is required to construct a three-storey, environmentally friendly columbarium that will house 5,000 urns.
“Due to a growing preference for cremation over traditional burials, there is an urgent need for a dedicated columbarium within a Christian environment,” he said.
He said the project would ensure a dignified and faith-based resting place for future generations.
“A total of 100 tables are available for sale at the dinner. Tickets are RM200 per seat or RM2,000 per table, and supporters can also sponsor tables for guests from underprivileged backgrounds, including orphanages and nursing homes,” he added.
