Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an additional RM1 Million for the construction of a modern Hindu crematorium in Bagan, Penang. The latest allocation brings the total funding for the project to RM2.5 Million, according to Penang State Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer.
Datuk Seri Anwar previously approved RM1.5 Million for the project. However, the amount was found to be insufficient to complete the planned facility, which is expected to serve the Hindu community, especially those who lives in Seberang Perai.
Once completed, the facility will become Penang’s second modern electric Hindu crematorium after the existing facility in Batu Lanchang. Rayer said the additional funding showed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the needs of Malaysia’s different communities and religions continue to receive attention.
He announced the additional allocation during a press conference at the project site in Jalan Sriram. Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan were also present.
New Facility to Serve Hindu Community in Seberang Perai
Kumaran said the crematorium would provide a more organized, suitable and comfortable place for Hindu families to carry out final rites according to their religious beliefs and customs. The facility is also expected to reduce the need for families in Seberang Perai to travel far to access cremation services.
According to Kumaran, the additional RM1 Million was approved following joint efforts by Lim and Rayer, who had written to the Prime Minister requesting more funding for the project. The tender process for the construction has already been opened. The crematorium will cover about 4,000 square feet and is expected to be fully completed by mid 2027.
Once read, the facility is expected to serve as an important long-term facility for Hindu community in Seberang Perai and nearby areas.
Sources: Malay Mail
