15 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Pilot study on multi-level graves in KL to end by October
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) is currently studying the implementation of multi-level graves at cemeteries that are already full or nearly full.
The study, expected to be completed by the end of October, focuses on several nearly full cemeteries such as those in Sungai Penchala, Kampung Puah, Gombak, and Raudhatul Sakinah.
Jawi director-general Hanifuddin Roslan said that as a short-term solution, the department plans to begin implementing the multi-level method at selected cemeteries.
"Jawi is currently conducting a study on the implementation of multi-level graves in Kuala Lumpur, including public acceptance among mosque congregants in several cemeteries that are already full or nearly full, such as Sungai Penchala, Kampung Puah, and Raudhatul Sakinah.
"In collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Jawi has been conducting this study since February, focusing on both implementation and methods. The study is expected to be completed by the end of October, with selected Islamic cemeteries identified for pilot projects," he said.
On May 26, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, announced the opening of a new Islamic cemetery in Hulu Semenyih, Selangor.
She said the new cemetery would meet the burial needs of the Muslim community in Kuala Lumpur for the next 28 years, as over 70 per cent of existing cemeteries in the city are already in use.
Hanifuddin added that several models for multi-level graves have been identified, but are still in the research phase.
He said no final decision has been made on the most suitable model, as Jawi was still evaluating options based on examples from other states that have already implemented similar systems.
"Jawi visited Al-Jamiul Badawi Mosque in Kepala Batas, Penang, to gain clearer insights into the model and implementation of multi-level graves, and we are trying to identify the best method for Kuala Lumpur.
"We plan to use several selected Islamic cemeteries to implement the multi-level burial model using two approaches.
"The first approach involves using existing grave plots but deepening them for the first burial, with a reduced depth for the second.
"The second approach involves raising the ground level at existing cemeteries, as done at Masjid Jamiul Badawi. However, this requires significant costs due to landfilling and building retaining walls to ensure the stability of the original ground structure," he said.
When asked about the burial space situation in Kuala Lumpur, Hanifuddin acknowledged that most cemeteries in the capital are nearing full capacity.
The most critical sites under Jawi's management are Raudhatus Sakinah Karak 1 and 2.
However, Hanifuddin confirmed that, for now, there has been no need to bury remains outside of their residential area, as Raudhatus Sakinah Karak 1 and 2 serve as centralised burial grounds.
