BUTTERWORTH – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an additional RM1 million allocation to the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) for the construction of a modern Hindu crematorium in Jalan Siram, Bagan.
PHEB Chairman RSN Rayer stated that the supplementary funding increases the total allocation for the facility to RM2.5 million, up from the initial RM1.5 million previously approved.
He pointed out that the initial RM1.5 million was insufficient to cover the high costs of constructing the building and installing a modern electric incinerator equipped with advanced filtration systems to comply with environmental standards.
Rayer said the approval reflects the Unity Government’s commitment to ensuring the needs of all racial and religious communities across the country are addressed fairly and inclusively.
“This additional allocation was made possible following a joint appeal sent via official letters to the Prime Minister by Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng and myself,” Rayer told a press conference at the project site on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Bagan Dalam Assemblyman K. Kumaran stated that the project would establish the second modern electric crematorium in Penang after the existing facility at Batu Lanchang on Penang Island, significantly easing reliance for residents in Seberang Perai.
Kumaran noted that the tender process for the 4,000-square-foot facility has been finalized and a contractor appointed, with physical construction expected to begin in September and target completion set for mid-2027. -MalayaDailyToday
