Penang to develop integrated cemetery site catering to all faiths

PENANG plans to develop an integrated cemetery site catering to all faiths as part of its long-term solution for sustainable land use and inclusive urban planning.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the new approach will include facilities such as columbarium, crematoria, memorial gardens, and other supporting amenities — ensuring burial sites are managed with dignity, efficiency, and sensitivity next to each other.

It is believed that the move is also in tandem with the acute shortage of land the state faces following rapid trade, commercialisation and industrialisation undertakings.

Chow said that these efforts align with the Penang2030 vision of a “Family-Focused Green and Smart State” built on harmony, innovation, and sustainable planning.

 “Our goal is to preserve resting places with dignity while meeting the evolving needs of our society.

“Penang’s long-term approach is to develop integrated cemetery sites catering to all faiths — offering dignified options that reflect modern needs while respecting tradition.”

He was speaking at the Penang Christian Cemeteries Association (PCCA) 50th Anniversary celebration held at Bayview Hotel George Town.

Chow said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), which is the lead agency in realising this will hold further discussions on planning requirements for the setting up of a funeral parlour in Paya Terubong.

Chow said the state government values the PCCA’s role in ensuring that Penang’s burial sites are managed with care and foresight.

Currently, there are 306 cemeteries statewide, of which 99 are for non-Muslims.

Within the Christian community, there are 17 cemeteries — six on Penang Island and 11 in Seberang Perai.

Chow said the PLANMalaysia@Penang Cemetery Planning Study 2025 projects future needs and outlines strategies for more efficient land use.

"By integrating modern facilities like columbarium and crematoria, the study shows that Penang can reduce the demand for non-Muslim cemetery land from about 333 acres to roughly 61 acres by 2050," he underlined.

 Citing the Western Road Christian Cemetery Columbarium, which he officiated in July 2024, Chow said the project serves as a model of responsible land use and collaboration.

Jointly developed by the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches under the PCCA, the facility reflects a balance of tradition, respect, and modern solutions.

In response to a request by PCCA chairman Reverend Chiam Teng Poh for a Christian funeral parlour to be established on a plot of land owned by the MBPP in Paya Terubong, Chow said the council would hold further discussions on planning requirements, though the initial application had been rejected.

Chow emphasised that sensitivity and heritage preservation remain central to the management of sacred sites.

 “Any interventions involving cemeteries – whether conservation, restoration, or redevelopment – will be undertaken with utmost care and respect,” Chow emphasised.

“All actions will be guided by transparency, due process, and meaningful consultation with the community and heritage experts," he said. - October 20, 2025.