BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an additional RM1mil allocation to the Penang State Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) for the construction of a modern Hindu crematorium in Bagan here, says PHEB chairman RSN Rayer.
He said the additional allocation brought the total funding for the project to RM2.5mil, up from the RM1.5mil previously approved by Anwar.
He said the original RM1.5mil allocation was found to be insufficient to implement the project, which is much needed by the Hindu community, particularly in Seberang Perai. It will be Penang's second modern electric crematorium, after the facility in Batu Lanchang.
"This additional approval reflects the concern and commitment of the MADANI Government and the Prime Minister in ensuring that the needs of Malaysia's multiracial and multireligious communities are given fair attention," he said at a press conference at the project site on Jalan Siram on Sunday (Aug 23).
Also present were Bagan Member of Parliament Lim Guan Eng and Bagan Dalam state assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan.
Meanwhile, Kumaran said the crematorium was important in providing a more organised, suitable and comfortable facility for the Hindu community to perform final rites according to their customs and religious beliefs.
He said the facility would also reduce the reliance of the Hindu community in Seberang Perai on crematorium facilities located farther away.
"This is a long-term facility for the benefit of the Hindu community, particularly in Seberang Perai and the surrounding areas," he said.
Kumaran said the approval of the additional allocation was the result of a joint application and efforts by Lim and Rayer, who had written to Anwar to seek additional funding to ensure that the project could be implemented more comprehensively.
He said the tender process for the construction of the approximately 4,000-square-foot crematorium had been opened, and the project was expected to be fully completed by the middle of next year. – Bernama
