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Saturday January 5, 2008

Funeral aid initiative hailed

By LIM CHIA YING

POSITIVE feedback has been received towards the Selangor government’s announcement that the state would contribute RM2,000 for the funeral expenses of Selangor residents above 60 years of age.

Among those who welcome the move is Datuk David Kong, group managing director of NV Multi Corporation Bhd which owns the Nirvana Memorial Park burial ground.

Kong commended Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo’s foresight in coming up with the aid plan.

“I would like to say that the Selangor government is doing a good job. With this monetary assistance, it will only encourage people to stay in Selangor and bring in a lot more investors,” said Kong.

However, he said it would be better if the amount was increased slightly more, especially as RM2,000 was too small an amount for Chinese funerals.

“In fact, for the Chinese, the funeral service alone costs about RM8,000 just to hire monks and other things like cater food. This excludes expenses like the burial plot and tomb which they still have to buy,” said Kong.

Liew: ‘It is good that the state government is helping senior citizens and showing respect to their past contributions’
“In comparison, Muslim funerals are a lot cheaper as they usually cost between RM2,000 and RM3,000.

“But this allocation will definitely help to take away some burden off people. At least RM2,000 is better than nothing!

“It’s something positive, and also the first time such an initiative is announced throughout my years in this line,” he said.

PJ Modern Casket & Funeral Parlour Sdn Bhd director and partner Eric C. Lim said the money was a kind gesture from the state government although it may not be able to cover full expenses, especially among those performing Taoist rites.

“To me, this is a token that does relieve citizens, especially among the needy,” said Lim.

“The Muslims usually have quite an economical arrangement, but the Taoist community usually do something more elaborate to give the deceased a good send-off.

“That’s why we usually guide those who are unable to afford expensive funerals on how they can minimise expenses. Basically this is to help them avoid from being burdened by spending within their means,” he said.

Mohamad Khir: ‘The RM2,000 isa form of subsidy and not meant to finance the funeral’
Xiao En Group managing director Frank Choo said his company was pleased with the announcement of the allocation.

“It shows that the state government has a caring heart. Hopefully it would help and benefit the less fortunate people," said Choo.

Seri Kembangan assemblyman Datuk Liew Yuen Keong also commended the initiative, saying it was good that the state government was helping senior citizens and showing respect to their past contributions to the state.

“It also shows that we are trying to create a more caring society, especially when people are old and about to pass away, they know that there are people who care for them.

“This assistance is irrespective of whether people are rich or poor, but given as a sign of appreciation for the contribution Selangor citizens have made to the state for at least the past 60 years,” said Liew.

However, Liew expressed concern over the implementation of the aid.

“The time period is very short when a person passes away. We need a more efficient system to assist the people, like the money must be ready with the district officer in the event of death, because the funeral can't wait.

“Folks in Seri Kembangan may not know of this yet, but I'll be assisting them through my service centre and via Resident Zone Committees to brief them and help expedite any applications,” said Liew.

Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said yesterday: “Only Selangor citizens who have stayed in Selangor for at least 15 years are eligible for the allowance of RM2,000 to aid their funeral expenses.

“The deceased has to be staying in Selangor to qualify for the aid. If the deceased person's child is working in another state, they can still apply on behalf of their parents, so long as their parents are residents of Selangor."

He said the RM2,000 was a form of subsidy, and not meant to finance the funeral.

"In order to verify if the deceased person is a Selangor citizen, checks will be made on the identity card to check their IC number and address. Checks will also be made with neighbours to ensure that the deceased was not renting but had been staying permanently in Selangor," said Khir.

He added that the scheme was called Tabung Jasamu, to recognise the contributions of Selangor citizens.

For more information, members of the public can contact their nearest district office.

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