THE 220-year-old Penang United Hokkien Cemeteries (UHC), which is arguably the oldest cemetery operator in the state, is planning to convert Batu Gantong Cemetery into a historical and memorial park next year.
According to UHC president Datuk Cheah Cheng Ean, the project is expected to be completed before the Qing Ming festival next year.
Speaking at the opening of the newly completed funeral parlour and wall columbarium in Batu Gantong today, Cheah said the ‘How Qin Tong’ funeral parlour spans 3,600sq ft and is fully air-conditioned.
“There are a total of four funeral parlours in Batu Gantong and another six in Paya Terubong.
“The wall columbarium ‘Leong Soo Koe,’ which was also opened today in Batu Gantong, has 11,700 niches. It is an affordable option for the people. The project was first initiated by our former chairman Datuk Seri Steven Ooi.
“We strive to provide sufficient burial plots, niches, cremators, and funeral parlours for the deceased in the state. Our aim is to maintain our facilities in tip-top condition for Penangites,” he said.
Cheah mentioned the Mount Erskine Funeral Parlour and columbarium plan has been approved, with construction expected to begin by the end of this year.
“This new facility will cater to residents from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang. The columbarium will have a total of 27,600 niches. Besides that, we also aim to convert the Paya Terubong Cemetery Pavilion into two units of air conditioning funeral parlour this year,” he said.
Cheah expressed his gratitude to the state for their support of UHC over the years.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to officiate the remarkable event, saluted UHC for its dedication to providing funeral services to the deceased.
“They have two upcoming projects in the pipeline, and we are pleased with their commitment to enhancing funeral services.
“We appreciate the support that various organisations have extended to UHC throughout this time,” Chow said.
He emphasised the importance of funeral services for the community and expressed the state’s willingness to collaborate with UHC to further improve these services.
During the event, UHC also channelled a total of RM135,000 to 12 charitable organisations for educational purposes.
Among the dignitaries present were state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Local Government, Country and Town Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng and MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian