Going green: Devotees offering food and prayers to their ancestors at the Leng How Koe Columbarium in Paya Terubong, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Instead of burning offerings during Hungry Ghost Festival, some families have opted to go “eco-friendly”.
Engineer Kenny Lim, 42, with wife Ng Soo Tien, 41, their daughters and his mother-in-law were at the Leng How Koe Columbarium in Paya Terubong upholding the tradition in honour of their ancestors and their minimalistic practice drew attention.
Equipped with tiffin containers and small bowls, the family set up food and other offerings to start the prayer.
Lim said he adopted a green approach for the sake of the environment.
He said he and his family lighted just one joss stick and burn only a little paper money to reduce smoke emissions.
“Fulfilling our obligation and cultural observance is a must, but we feel it is important to practice a green approach too,” he said.
Also at the columbarium was communication executive Vick Quah, 34, and his family who brought all their own tableware items to place offerings for their ancestors.
He said it was now common for most families to adopt a green approach by bringing such things from home instead of relying entirely on paper, plastic or even styrofoam containers provided by food sellers.
“We hope our ancestors know that they left behind a peaceful nation in which we all live in harmony,” he said.
United Hokkien Cemeteries chairman Datuk Cheah Cheng Ean said more than 2,000 people went to the columbarium over weekend.
He said he was glad to see many visitors bringing their own containers, hence reducing the amount of garbage at the columbarium.
