Jawi begins using multi-tier graves for unclaimed bodies in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 29 - The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has initiated a multi-tier burial system for unclaimed bodies at the Raudhatul Sakinah Muslim Cemetery in Kepong. This pilot project aims to make the best use of the dwindling space in Muslim cemeteries across the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, according to a statement from Jawi.

The project also utilizes a body-lowering pulley system, created by the Kuala Lumpur Public Works Department, to simplify the process of placing bodies at a depth of eight feet.

The procedure involves lowering the first body using a sling stretcher and a pulley machine, with two or three individuals inside the grave to receive the body. Once the first body is in place, the soil-collapse support is raised, and the grave chamber is covered with boards before the grave is filled with soil up to five feet below the grave's surface.

The pulley machine is then relocated, and a second grave chamber, two feet deep, is dug on the left side, following the qibla direction. The second body is then lowered using the pulley machine, similarly covered and filled with soil until it reaches the original ground level.

Former reports suggested that Muslim cemeteries in Kuala Lumpur might only be able to accommodate burials until 2029, given the current available space. In November 2025, Jawi and Universiti Sains Malaysia reportedly conducted research to establish guidelines for implementing multi-tier graves in the Federal Territories as a solution to the decreasing burial space.

Jawi highlighted that employing the pulley machine enhances the efficiency of burial procedures while easing the workload of those involved. The authority also stated that they are exploring various technologies and equipment to ensure bodies are managed responsibly, appropriately, and in accordance with Islamic guidelines.