KUALA LUMPUR: CITY Hall is planning to open three more Muslim cemeteries in the city to accommodate the needs of the growing population.
Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said the locations which had been identified are Ladang Bukit Jalil (6.9ha), Bukit Kiara 2 (2.1ha) and Kampung Melayu Kepong (3.3 ha).
The plot of land at Bukit Kiara 2 can accommodate 6,311 grave lots while Kampung Melayu Kepong can accommodate 6,942.
Commenting on the Ladang Bukit Jalil land issue, Phesal said 39 families had refused to move to PPR Muhibbah located next to the former estate.
He said more discussions with the families were needed.
“I will consult with Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Dr J. Loga Bala Mohan on the matter,” said Phesal.
“The families had requested for a 1.6ha plot of land on the site to build terrace houses which we could not agree to as it would be unfair to the more than 100 families who have agreed to move.”
Phesal said this at the closing ceremony for the Jalan Kuari Muslim cemetery in Cheras which has run out of space.
He added, however, that upon the request of qariah from Madrasah Islamiah Jalan Kuari, City Hall would consider opening the nearby parking lots for about 50 to 60 grave plots for the relatives of the qariah.
“Discussions will be held between the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).
“From now on, new burials will have to be at the Bukit Kiara 2 and Raudhatul Sakinah Kuala Lumpur-Karak cemeteries.”
Jawi qariah management unit chief deputy director Abdul Nasir Ahmad said Raudhatul Sakinah Kuala Lumpur-Karak cemetery had 16.5ha of land left and was expected to be able to accommodate new graves until 2061.
It was reported that some of the family members of the former Ladang Bukit Jalil estate workers had ignored the eviction notice and rejected City Hall’s offer of low-cost flats.
The land was acquired by the government from the estate owner in 1980. They had sued City Hall over the matter, stating that three generations of their families had been staying on the land as estate workers. But, the court decided in favour of the council to strike out the suit.
It was also reported that a 10.54ha Muslim cemetery was gazetted in Ladang Bukit Jalil in 2009, while City Hall had applied for the 3.51ha plot of land next to it to be made a non-Muslim cemetery.
