Klang villagers up in arms over columbarium project
KLANG : Residents of Kampung Raja Uda near here are considering submitting a protest memorandum to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, regarding the construction of a four-storey columbarium adjacent to the mosque in their area.
Village committee chairman Azhar Ibrahim said that most of the 5,000 residents in the village oppose the construction of the columbarium on a one-hectare plot of private land. He said the project had not been discussed with the residents, who only became aware of it two weeks ago.
'Many residents are worried that the village area may become polluted by ashes generated from the cremation process, particularly for homes situated less than 10 metres from the site,' he told reporters after participating in a peaceful protest on Persiaran Raja Muda Musa in Port Klang today.
Dozens of village residents were at the protest, expressing their opposition to the construction of the columbarium.
Azhar said that in the last two days, residents have submitted over 300 protest notices online to the Klang city council regarding the planned project. He said the villagers want the construction of the columbarium to be cancelled, to ensure the comfort of residents, especially Muslims.
The imam of Kampung Raja Uda mosque, Bazaireen Baharuddin, said: 'We strongly oppose the construction of this four-storey complex' less than 50m from our place of worship. 'I am concerned that once the columbarium begins operating, it will host many religious ceremonies, making the Muslim residents here feel uncomfortable,' he said.
He said the villagers hoped the MP, state assemblyman, and Klang mayor would listen to their concerns.
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