Part of the Chinese cemetery in Kampung Baru Sedenak, Kulai, has now been acquired by the Transport Ministry to make way for the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double tracking project (EDTP). The affected area is about 33 acres and involves 123 graves.

Despite the fact that the work of relocation will start by the end of this month, the residents and family have never received any official notice from the Transport Ministry until today. They were only informed by Hock Hiang Funeral Corporation Sdn Bhd, which has told the management committee of the cemetery that they are the contractor for the digging up and relocation of the graves.

According to the contractor, the government will bear the costs of digging and relocation. The remains will be cremated and placed at columbarium of Tiong Hua Memorial Park, Johor Baru. Those who do not accept the offer will be given RM1,200 as compensation.

First, the way the Transport Ministry handles the acquisition and relocation of the grave is shockingly unprofessional. No formal notice, no dialogue, no meeting, no discussion whatsoever with the affected residents. The contractor for the relocation seems to be the only representative and spokesperson of the ministry. That shouldn’t be the way when it involves a graveyard with a history of around 80 years.

Secondly, the option given by the ministry is hugely unsatisfactory. Tiong Hua Memorial Park is about one hour from Kampung Baru Sedenak. If the ministry cares to organise a dialogue with the residents, they would know that the preference of the residents is to build a columbarium at Sedenak Cemetery so that the inconvenience and hassle brought to them can be reduced to the minimum.

If, however, this option is not achievable, then at least the ministry should consider raising the monetary compensation to a more reasonable figure so that the affected residents can look for other columbariums available within Kulai.

I have brought this issue to the attention of Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai during the 11th Malaysian Plan debate on last Wednesday and he has kindly agreed to look into it. I look forward to receiving a favourable and positive reply from him in the near future as the relocation is scheduled to start in 10 days’ time.

TEO NIE CHING is DAP assistant national publicity secretary and Kulai MP.