Hulu semenyih: The government has emphasized that the Federal Territory Muslim Cemetery Development Project in Hulu Semenyih, Selangor, has been in the planning stages since 2005. This initiative aims to address the shortage of Islamic burial land in Kuala Lumpur and alleviate traffic congestion in the Semenyih area.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh clarified the situation in a Facebook post, following widespread confusion on social media about the project. The project is designed not only to meet the needs of residents in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (FTKL) but also to benefit the local community. Ten percent of the cemetery's capacity will be reserved for residents from surrounding areas in Selangor.
Yeoh highlighted that existing Islamic burial grounds in FTKL have exceeded 70 percent occupancy. As of June 2023, only about 29 percent, or 34,496 plots, remain available, expected to suffice until around 2032. Therefore, developing a new burial site is crucial to ensure the welfare of the Muslim community in the future.
The project will be executed through a public-private partnership on a 332.6-acre site owned by the Federal Lands Commissioner. The developer will bear the full cost of infrastructure, including staff quarters, a surau, administrative office, cafeteria, toilets, guardhouse, and earthworks for 104,470 Muslim burial plots for FTKL. Despite this, the land will remain under the ownership of the Federal Lands Commissioner, with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) maintaining management and operational responsibilities.
Regarding the construction of a link road from Jalan Sungai Lalang to the SILK Highway, Yeoh stated that the RM93.89 million project cost will be financed by the developer, as mandated by the Selangor government. The 4.3-kilometer road aims to ease traffic congestion and provide a smoother route for local residents.
The Federal Territories Department (JWP) confirms that the project has undergone technical assessments, a Value Management Lab evaluation, and received approvals from the Selangor state government and the Federal Government. All decisions prioritize public interest to ensure community welfare and provide improved facilities for future generations.