THE 219-year-old Penang United Hokkien Cemeteries (UHC), which is the oldest continuously-run cemetery operator in the state, is embarking on redevelopment and expansion plans for its cemeteries.
Established back in 1804, UHC is now considered to be a well-known operator for burials, cremations, columbariums, and funeral parlours in the state.
The cemeteries under UHC’s management are in Batu Gantong, Paya Terubong, Mount Erskine, Batu Lanchang, and Teluk Bahang.
Caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour during UHC’s one-hour briefing session at its office in Batu Gantong today, expressed his gratitude to the operator.
“UHC has come a long way in serving the communities for the past 219 years. Its unwavering service to the people over all these years is much appreciated.
“It has been relentlessly providing the necessary service and we (the state) fully appreciate UHC’s commitment.
“I was also made to understand that some of the deceased, who were without their next-of-kin, were given free niches in the columbarium. The cremation charges were also waived following requests made by the hospitals or old folks’ homes.
“Therefore, the state deeply values UHC’s contributions and is looking forward to the completion of the various initiatives being rolled out,” he said at a press conference today.
Chow was earlier briefed by UHC chairman Datuk Cheah Cheng Ean on its expansion proposal as well as those in the pipeline.
These include transforming Batu Gantong cemetery into a historical and memorial park, constructing a new low-cost columbarium in Bath Gantong, establishing a VIP columbarium in Batu Gantong, gaining planning permission for the Mount Erskine Funeral Parlours and columbariums, and constructing an open air theatre for the public use.
The construction of a new low-cost columbarium in Batu Gantong will house 12,000 niches and is expected to complete by the end of this year, with an estimated cost of RM7 million.
Aside from this, a new six-storey building with a two-storey columbarium will be built at Mount Erskine, providing 27,600 niches.
Listening attentively to UHC’s proposal for various expansions, Chow said all the plans must be carried out soon.
“We will do our level best to collaborate with UHC and other clan associations in the state.
“In fact, many renowned Hokkien personalities such as former chief minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Lim Kek Chuan, Tan Sri Datuk Loh Boon Siew, Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim as well as Dr Wu Lean Teh have been laid to rest there,” he said.
Chow also said that the staff of UHC played a pivotal role in cremating over 600 individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic period.
“They were frontliners who were dedicated to their duties,” he added.
Cheah thanked the state for its support to assist UHC.
Also present during the press conference were the UHC board of directors and its committee members.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis