FOLLOWING the recent dispute over a burial plot at the Batu Lanchang Hindu Cemetery, the current Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) administration has denied allegations that the same plot was sold to two different individuals under its watch.
PHEB chairman RSN Rayer addressed the issue during a press conference held at the board’s office in Macalister Road today.
“We categorically refute the claim that a particular burial plot was sold twice to two different individuals by the current PHEB administration,” Rayer said.
He revealed that, according to the Land Leasing Certificate, the burial plot in question was initially leased on April 29, 2022, with a subsequent transaction involving the same plot taking place on February 7, 2023.
“The audio clip circulating online alleges that the plot was leased again in 2025. However, it is important to clarify that the current PHEB commissioners only assumed office on August 23, 2023,” he explained.
While expressing regret over the incident, Rayer apologised to the affected family and said the board is planning to engage with them to resolve the matter. He also stated that PHEB is prepared to refund the individual who leased the plot on February 7, 2023.
Meanwhile, PHEB commissioner Datuk J. Dhinagaran urged all individuals who have leased burial plots to visit the PHEB office in Macalister Road for verification.
Rayer also announced that PHEB plans to assign lot numbers to burial plots to improve cemetery management and prevent similar issues in the future.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian