The cremation rates at the MBPJ facility are RM180 and RM100 for adults and children, respectively. — Filepic
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has assured that rates at its crematorium in Jalan 229, Section 51A will remain unchanged, even if the proposed privatisation of its operation goes through.
In a statement, MBPJ confirmed that the current rates of RM180 for adults and RM100 for children would be maintained.
The statement was made in response to StarMetro articles on the issue on Feb 24, March 1 and March 5.
It was reported that MBPJ planned to privatise its crematorium’s operation through a 21-year contract.
It also said that there were currently three cremation furnaces and if the proposal were to be approved, the number of furnaces would be increased to five.
With the upgrade, there would be no additional charges and the level of service would remain the same, the statement said.
MBPJ also stated that the crematorium would remain under its ownership, despite the privatisation exercise.
It was explained that the appointed company would be solely responsible for managing the crematorium’s operations, in accordance with conditions set by MBPJ.
“This includes obtaining planning permission approval and ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations.
“MBPJ will oversee the development to ensure it proceeds in an orderly manner and meets safety, public health and environmental conservation standards,” said the city council.
The proposal had sparked widespread public concern, particularly over fears that the privatisation would lead to an increase in cremation service rates.
MCA vice-president and Selangor liaison committee chairman Datuk Lawrence Low had said that the decision to privatise the crematorium lacked transparency.
He urged MBPJ to have public consultations and perform a thorough study on the proposal.
MBPJ also clarified in the statement that the consideration for the privatisation proposal had begun last September.
There were in-depth discussions and a thorough review of various aspects of death management, particularly those related to crematorium services, it stated.
“MBPJ understands the community’s need for more systematic and user-friendly facilities to manage the deceased, especially for residents in high-rises who face space constraints when conducting final rites-related ceremonies.
“Funeral homes and crematoriums play an important role in meeting these needs.
“With the privatisation, the crematorium services provided by MBPJ will be improved without any price increase.
“This initiative aims to increase capacity and service efficiency to ensure that the public, particularly residents of Petaling Jaya, can enjoy quality services without additional financial burden,” said the statement.
