Govt will look into need to open more cemeteries

PORT DICKSON: The government will look into the need to open cemeteries to accommodate the burial of Muslims who have succumbed to Covid-19, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-bakri.

He said discussions would be held with the National Fatwa Council and the mufti of all states to get their views on the matter.

“The focus will be on the Federal Territories ( especially Kuala Lumpur).

“This is to ensure that we can properly manage the remains of those who died from Covid-19,” he told reporters after presenting donations to 200 canteen operators and cleaning workers via drivethrough, organised by Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) here yesterday.

Zulkifli said to date, Yadim has spent more than Rm1mil to help the needy throughout the country, especially in facing the impact of the pandemic.

The donation drive was also conducted with the cooperation of various non-governmental organisations, he added.

In Melaka, state executive councillor Datuk Rahmad Mariman said plans were being looked into the need to open new burial grounds in the state for Covid-19-related deaths.

“A discussion on whether there should be additional burial grounds will be held during the special meeting on Covid-19 next week,” he said.

Melaka saw two-digit Covid-19 deaths in the past week.

On Thursday, Melaka Chief Minister’s Secretary for Community Affairs Yong Fun Juan said the state is offering complimentary columbarium niche spaces for families to store urns.

He added that those who could not afford the fees to store the cremated remains of their loved ones could seek his help.

Yong said buying single urn niches could be expensive.