MCA: Why privatise basic funeral services?

MCA SELANGOR has expressed its objection against plans by the Selangor government to privatise the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) crematorium in Section 51.

Selangor Liaison Committee member Datuk Ir Lawrence Low said cremation services are fundamental public services.

“As the public pays high assessment rates, they are entitled to basic funeral services.

“With the demand for affordable cremation services, why should this crematorium be privatised?,” he asked.
This year alone, Selangor residents already have to endure a jump in assessment rates by 25%.

The substantial revenue gained by the Selangor state government from this spike is intended to be used by MBPJ for road repairs, solid waste disposal, maintenance of public facilities which includes the operation of crematoriums and others, said the MCA vice-president.

Given that the public already pays taxes, Low asked why should the government privatise the crematorium and allow private companies to profit?
“Additionally, many households residing along and off Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur also utilise the PJ crematorium for their departed loved ones.
“Privatising the crematorium and handing it over to a private company to manage carries a high risk of price increases,” he said.

The state government claims that this move is to improve service quality, but the improvement of public services should not be based on privatisation, he said.
“In fact, the financial budget of MBPJ is sufficiently abundant each year, and the funds should be allocated reasonably to improve the crematorium’s facilities and services, without resorting to privatisation.

“The state government should focus on optimising management and improving administrative efficiency, rather than outsourcing public services to private companies, which would set their own fee standards ultimately affecting the livelihood of the people,” he said.

The Selangor State Government constantly claims it wants to benefit the rakyat, yet now even the most basic funeral services are being commercialised, leaving B40 households to be unable to afford even a final departure.

“This is a failure of responsibility on the part of the state government, and an injustice to the masses,” added Low. – March 2, 2025