PETALING JAYA: A draft national planning guideline for non-Muslim cemeteries, crematoria and columbarium facilities is being drawn up to tighten planning, environmental and siting rules for such developments nationwide, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said that under this guideline, which will be drawn up by the Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (PLANMalaysia), the planning of burial grounds and crematoria must take into account public health, safety, land use suitability, topography, soil structure, and accessibility.
"Site selection must also avoid high-risk areas such as flood-prone zones, landslide-prone areas, and locations that may have adverse impacts on the environment and surrounding communities," he said in a parliamentary written reply to a question from Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing).
Islahuddin had asked the Ministry to state the guidelines, approval conditions and standard operating procedures set for constructing crematoria located near residential areas. This includes aspects such as minimum setback distances, environmental impact assessment requirements, air pollution controls, and engagement with local communities, particularly regarding the proposed development in Pekan Endau.
Nga said that a buffer zone of at least 30m (100ft) must be provided between crematorium sites and development boundaries.
"Crematoria may also be integrated with cemeteries or memorial parks."
Crematorium sites are not permitted within residential, commercial, recreational zones, or tourism attraction areas. For diesel- or oil-fuelled crematoria, they may be planned within heavy industrial zones," he said
Open-air cremation is allowed in rural or village areas but is not permitted on peat soil areas, he added.
In addition, every proposed crematorium development must obtain Planning Permission approval from the local authority, said Nga.
"In considering such applications, the local authority will refer to the guidelines, taking into account site suitability, compatibility with surrounding land use, infrastructure provision, traffic systems, as well as technical comments and recommendations from relevant agencies," he said.
Meanwhile, the proposed crematorium in Pekan Endau, Mersing, Johor, has been confirmed as falling under state and local authority jurisdiction, with approval processes handled by the Mersing District Council and technical agencies, said the federal minister.
The facility, proposed on Lot 213 in Mukim Padang Endau by the Endau Chinese Cemetery Association, would be the district's first crematorium, he said.
The site sits within an existing 10-acre Chinese burial reserve, with the crematorium itself occupying 0.66 acres.
He said no formal objections were received from residents, and planning permission (Form C1) was issued on April 16, 2026.
"According to Mersing District Council records, up to the date the application was considered, no written objections or official feedback from local residents had been received regarding the proposal.
"A Planning Permission approval form (Form C1) was issued to the applicant on April 16, 2026," he said.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry will continue to ensure that crematorium facilities are developed in a planned manner, in compliance with laws and guidelines, and with due regard to local sensitivities, assures Nga.
