THE Penang government plans to develop integrated cemetery sites catering to all faiths as part of its long-term approach to sustainable land use and inclusive urban planning.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the new approach will include facilities such as columbariums, crematoria, memorial gardens, and other supporting amenities — ensuring that burial sites are managed with dignity, efficiency, and sensitivity.
He said these efforts align with the Penang2030 vision of a “Family-Focused Green and Smart State” built on harmony, innovation, and sustainable planning.
“Our goal is to preserve resting places with dignity while meeting the evolving needs of our society,” Chow said. “Penang’s long-term approach is to develop integrated cemetery sites catering to all faiths — offering dignified options that reflect modern needs while respecting tradition.”
Chow was speaking at the Penang Christian Cemeteries Association (PCCA) 50th Anniversary Celebration held at Bayview Hotel George Town this evening. Also present were Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, organising chairman Teoh Khay Min, PCCA chairman Reverend Chiam Teng Poh, vice chairman Tan Ann Hui, treasurer Lim Swee Hua, secretary Joseph Lim, and leaders from Penang’s Christian community.
Chow said the state government values the PCCA’s role in ensuring that Penang’s burial sites are managed with care and foresight. Currently, there are 306 cemeteries statewide, of which 99 are non-Islamic. Within the Christian community, there are 17 cemetery lots — six on Penang Island and 11 in Seberang Perai.
He said the PLANMalaysia@Penang Cemetery Planning Study 2025 projects future needs and outlines strategies for more efficient land use. By integrating modern facilities like columbariums and crematoria, the study shows that Penang can reduce the demand for non-Islamic cemetery land from about 333 acres to roughly 61 acres by 2050.
Citing the Western Road Christian Cemetery Columbarium, which he officiated in July 2024, Chow said the project serves as a model of responsible land use and collaboration. Jointly developed by the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches under the PCCA, the facility houses 8,695 niches and reflects a balance of tradition, respect, and modern solutions.
In response to a request by PCCA chairman Reverend Chiam Teng Poh for a Christian funeral parlour to be established on a plot of land owned by the MBPP in Paya Terubong, Chow said the council would hold further discussions with the association on planning requirements, even though the initial application had been rejected.
Chow reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to assisting associations in maintaining and upgrading cemetery facilities through mechanisms such as the RIBI Fund and partnerships with local authorities.
He added that the state is also expanding the eRIBI platform to digitise cemetery records, enhance transparency, preserve historical data, and improve coordination between councils and religious bodies.
Chow emphasised that sensitivity and heritage preservation remain central to the management of sacred sites.
“Any interventions involving cemeteries – whether conservation, restoration, or redevelopment – will be undertaken with utmost care and respect,” Chow emphasised. “All actions will be guided by transparency, due process, and meaningful consultation with the community and heritage experts.”
He noted that when the PCCA was founded in 1975, Penang was undergoing rapid change. Yet visionary Christian leaders recognised the need to manage and protect burial grounds with dignity, unity, and foresight.
“Over the decades, the PCCA has safeguarded cemeteries that serve not only as sacred resting places but also as living archives of Penang’s multicultural story. From Western Road and Mount Erskine to heritage landmarks like the Old Protestant Cemetery on Northam Road, these grounds preserve the names and memories of missionaries, educators, community leaders, and families who helped shape Penang’s history,” he said.
Chow paid tribute to all who have contributed to the association’s journey — founders, committee members, caretakers, and volunteers — for their humility and devotion.
He extended special appreciation to past chairmen Datuk Khoo Cheok Sin and Ooi Boon Bow for their decades of service, as well as current chairman Reverend Chiam Teng Poh and committee members for continuing the association’s mission with vision and purpose.
“This golden jubilee reminds us that service endures. The PCCA’s 50 years of dedication are more than just administration — it is a ministry of memory and respect. It ensures that the stories of those who came before us remain honoured, their legacies preserved, and their contributions remembered as part of Penang’s shared heritage,” Chow said.
Organising chairman Teoh Khay Min said it was no small feat for both past and present committees to manage the sacred grounds where loved ones rest for the past 50 years. He also expressed gratitude to Chow, Syerleena, and Rajendran for their presence and support for the PCCA and community.
Reverend Chiam acknowledged the contributions of the late founding chairman Chan Yik King and Dr Joseph Louis, who served from 1975–1980 and 1981–1985 respectively, saying both are now “resting in the Lord.” He also thanked former PCCA chairmen Datuk Khoo Cheok Sin (1985–2005), Ooi Boon Bow (2005–2015), and Charles Lee (2015–2023) for their leadership and service.
In his speech, Rev Chiam also thanked various associations from the non-Christian faiths at Batu Gantong, Mount Erskine, Paya Terubong, and Khoo Kongsi for graciously accommodating their requests to rent lots for Christian wake services.
“We hope our dream of setting up a Christian funeral parlour will come true as an anniversary gift from the Penang state government for this historic milestone,” he said.
During the celebration, the PCCA donated RM3,000 each to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Agape Pulau Pinang, Pertubuhan I-Sayang Bukit Mertajam, Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Victory, Crystal Family Home Care Centre, and Youth With A Mission Malaysia.
Highlighting the PCCA’s journey, Rev Chiam said the association built its first columbarium within the Heritage Chapel due to the growing shortage of burial plots. The facility accommodates 1,263 niches. This was followed by the Old Wing — eight blocks with a total of 1,930 niches — developed next to the chapel.
In March 2019, a new columbarium costing RM1.357 million was built in collaboration with the Roman Catholic Church. Comprising 52 blocks with 8,695 niches, the facility caters to the expanding Christian community and demonstrates PCCA’s commitment to interfaith cooperation.
Of these 52 blocks, 25 (4,260 niches) were allocated to the Catholic Church, while the remaining 27 blocks (4,435 niches) are maintained and administered by the PCCA.
“More recently, the Jawi Praise Memorial Park — a 3.8-acre cemetery plot acquired in Seberang Perai — will be upgraded and beautified with pre-built plots to standardise its unique features for those opting for ground burial,” he added.
Rev Chiam also announced the launch and dedication of the PCCA 50th Anniversary Block (PM), comprising 126 niches offered at a 50% discount off the listed price on a first-come, first-served basis to the Christian public (individuals, not churches).
Bookings for this Golden Block will run until Oct 31 this year.
For enquiries or bookings, contact Terence Ee, PCCA Administrator, at the Secretariat located at Unit 2.1, Level 2, YMCA Building (Tel: 010-4696316) on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays during office hours.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
