PM approves additional RM1m for Hindu crematorium project in Bagan, says PHEB

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an additional RM1 million for the Penang State Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) to construct a modern Hindu crematorium in Bagan, Penang, according to PHEB chairman RSN Rayer. The increased funding brings the total project budget to RM2.5 million, up from the initially approved RM1.5 million.

The original allocation was deemed insufficient to complete the project, which is vital for the Hindu community in Seberang Perai. This additional approval underscores the Madani Government's commitment to addressing the needs of Malaysia's diverse religious communities, as stated by Anwar at a press conference at the project site in Jalan Siram.

The site will serve as Penang's second modern electric crematorium, following the facility in Batu Lanchang. Bagan Member of Parliament Lim Guan Eng and Bagan Dalam state assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan were present at the announcement. Kumaran emphasized the importance of the facility in providing a more organized and comfortable space for Hindu final rites, reducing the need for the community to travel farther for cremation services.

The approval came after a joint application by Lim and Rayer, who wrote to Anwar seeking additional funding to ensure the project's comprehensive implementation. The tender for the construction of the approximately 4,000-square-foot crematorium has been launched, and the project is expected to be completed by mid-next year.