THE state government will continue to look into the various needs of all religions in the state, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow shared this during the opening ceremony of the new columbarium at the Western Road Cemetery this morning.
“This meaningful occasion marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing our community with respectful and dignified final resting for our loved ones.
“As we gather today, let us remember that we are not just inaugurating a new facility; we are continuing a legacy of respect, remembrance, and reverence for those who have passed on while providing a place of comfort, peace, and solace for future generations.
“It is a place where memories will be cherished and the lives of our loved ones will be celebrated and remembered.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers of this event, the Penang Christian Cemeteries Association (PCCA),” Chow added.
The new wing of the columbarium is a joint effort by the PCCA and The Roman Catholic Church (TRC), providing a total of 8,695 niches with 4,435 niches allocated to PCCA and the rest to TRC.
It was completed in December 2020 and its design symbolises God’s sovereignty and protection over the people.
Chow also thanked the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for collaborating with PCCA and TRC on building the new facility (the columbarium) as the land belongs to the council.
He also added that the state government is working to resolve issues brought forward by associations, including the establishment of a Christian funeral parlour.
“An ongoing effort to identify a small site to build a Christian funeral parlour in Paya Terubong is currently in progress.
“We hope the related agencies will work together to make the project a reality.
“Let us continue to be resilient and compassionate to make Penang a place where all are honoured and remembered,” Chow said, urging the community to have respect for each other.
Meanwhile, Chow highlighted that State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, consistently listens to the concerns of the non-Islamic religious bodies.
He also reaffirmed that the state government will carefully review all applications related to cemeteries, columbariums, and crematoriums.
The Western Road Cemetery has a rich history, as many notable individuals have been laid to rest there, including the late Arshak Sarkies, who managed the E&O Hotel in the 20th century, former headmaster of Chung Ling High School David Chen, soldiers and heroes who fought in the Battle of Penang in 1914, and many others.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Alissala Thian