JOHOR BAHRU MUSLIM CEMETERIES REACH 95 PCT CAPACITY, NEW SITES BEING DEVELOPED

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Government burial grounds for Muslims in Johor Bahru’s urban and suburban areas are currently between 80 and 95 per cent full, said state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.

He said that, based on the latest data from the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ), three government-managed Muslim cemeteries are nearing full capacity - the Bukit Alif, Sungai Danga and Taman Impian Emas Muslim cemeteries in Johor Bahru.

According to him, Bukit Alif is currently 95 per cent full, with only 20 plots remaining, while Sungai Danga is also 95 per cent full, with about 100 plots left (specifically for members of the congregation). Taman Impian Emas, meanwhile, has reached 80 per cent utilisation, with approximately 600 plots still available.

To meet current needs, several new government Muslim cemetery sites have been proposed, including Bukit Rodziah Muslim Cemetery in Gelang Patah, covering 10.26 acres, which is currently being developed by the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), at a cost of RM1.8 million.

“In addition, Taman Setia Eco Garden Muslim Cemetery, spanning 5.08 acres, is also under development, through a RM1.5 million project contributed by UEM Sunrise Sdn Bhd, and is expected to be completed in 2026,” he said, at the Johor state assembly sitting, here, today.

He was responding to questions from Datuk Ramlee Bohani (BN-Kempas) and Datuk Pandak Ahmad (BN-Kota Iskandar), regarding the Johor government's measures to ensure sufficient Muslim cemetery space in urban areas.

Mohd Fared also said that the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) has plans to develop a Muslim cemetery in the northern part of the Mount Austin Stadium site, covering 12.03 acres, with an allocation of RM5.8 million.

Touching on long-term planning, he said the state government, through the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) and JAINJ, is currently implementing the Johor Muslim Cemetery Master Plan, to meet future burial needs.

The plan, he said, encompasses a 10- to 15-year capacity study and projection, identification and preparation of new sites, as well as collaboration with local authorities (PBTs) and developers.

“The state government, through JAINJ, local authorities (PBTs) and developer agencies, has outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure that the needs for Muslim cemeteries are consistently met, in line with Johor’s demographic growth and development,” he said.

-- BERNAMA