KUALA LUMPUR: The crematorium complex on Jalan Kuari, Cheras, will be upgraded to meet the increased needs of non-Muslim communities in Kuala Lumpur, says the mayor.
The RM45mil project, to start by February next year, will involve building three new cremation units, in addition to the current seven, Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud said during a visit to the complex on Wednesday (July 8).
To minimise service disruptions, four units would remain operational during the upgrading works, he said, adding that the project would take two years to complete.
“This is part of City Hall’s efforts to improve its services in response to the public’s evolving needs,” he said, adding that the upgrading project was approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Also present during the visit was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai.
Operating since 1977, the complex on Jalan Kuari is the sole DBKL-operated crematorium in Kuala Lumpur, accommodating more than 5,800 cremations annually, according to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Tan urged the upgrading project to be expedited.
“This complex is more than 50 years old and it must cater to the capital’s growing population,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yeoh said the Federal Government was in talks with the Selangor government to identify suitable sites in Semenyih to build Muslim cemeteries.
She said Kuala Lumpur lacks the space to accommodate the growing needs of its population for more burial grounds.
