A PRE-WAR Christian cemetery off Jalan Loke Yew in Kuala Lumpur, believed to include the graves of World War II victims, is in urgent need of upgrading and maintenance.
The burial ground, located along an unnamed road off Jalan Loke Yew, appears neglected, with broken headstones and scattered rubbish across the site.
At least two illegal dumpsites were also identified within the cemetery.
It is believed that some of those buried there may have died during or soon after World War II, with many graves marked only by small numbered headstones.
Community activist Yee Poh Ping said the authorities must act quickly to clean up and secure the area.
“These are people who likely died during the war, as many of the nameplates indicate deaths from 1945 onwards.
“It is disrespectful that the site is in such a condition, as they were probably Malayans,” he said during a visit to the cemetery in Pudu.
He added that he had also seen people playing football on a cleared section of the burial ground.
Yee also highlighted the poor condition of the adjoining road, which he said was frequently used as a bypass.
“It links Jalan Loke Yew to Jalan Dewan Bahasa and motorists travelling from Cheras to Sungai Besi often use this route.
“Residents of Kampung Bellamy and the Jalan Gajus flats also rely on it,” he said.
Yee said large potholes and signs of erosion have made the road unsafe for both motorists and pedestrians.
He urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to address the issues, including maintenance of the cemetery.
“The road should be resurfaced and a proper pedestrian walkway built.
“Installing anti-climb fencing and carrying out landscaping will also help prevent illegal dumping at the site,” he said.
Yee added that he had reported the issues to DBKL’s Civil Engineering and Drainage Department as well as its Landscape and Recreation Development Department.
Meanwhile, DBKL said it has taken note of the issues related to the cemetery.
“Cleaning works outside the cemetery grounds have been carried out by DBKL, while cleaning within the cemetery is under the maintenance of an appointed contractor,” DBKL said in a statement.
DBKL added that it would continue working with relevant parties to ensure the surroundings remained clean, orderly and well-maintained.
