Mar 4 2025, 10:39 AM, updated 10 months ago
Service charges at the Jalan Kuari Crematorium in Cheras, managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), could go up by a whopping 1,200%.
Shocked by the proposed fee hike – from RM100 to RM1,300 – funeral service providers say it is “unjustifiable and too steep” for the public.
Graceland Funeral Services director Yap Seng Lim said previously, a person would only have to pay RM100 for all services, including cremation and hall usage.
“If the fee hike goes through, the families of the deceased will be charged RM1,000 per cremation and RM300 per day for the crematorium hall.
“This amounts to RM1,300 and is more expensive compared to private crematoriums, which charge between RM800 and RM1,000 for similar services,” he said during a press conference held at the crematorium.
Yap said he only became aware of the proposed price revision when officers from the crematorium’s management office contacted him for an update on his company’s details and bank account information.
“The officers informed us that the fee adjustment was originally set to take effect on March 1 but was postponed,” said Yap.
This is not the only change that is rankling the services providers.
Yap says previously a person only had to pay RM100 for all services.
Fook Yee Funeral Parlour Sdn Bhd chairman Kam Yee Choy questioned the need for a RM1,000 deposit for using the crematorium hall.
“No deposit was required previously. We were also not informed when the money will be refunded.
“We handle an average of 20 cases a month.
“So if we must pay a deposit each time, this could amount to RM20,000 per month if refunds are not processed promptly.
“Furthermore, most families only collect the remains of their loved ones the day after cremation, incurring an additional RM300 for another day of hall usage,” said Kam.
Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, who was present at the press conference, said the crematorium fees were outlined in the DBKL Rate of Charges Standing Order 2025, a copy of which was sighted by StarMetro.
“The increase is excessive and will place an unnecessary financial burden on grieving families.
“This facility should serve the public, particularly low-income groups, who are still struggling financially.
“I urge Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa to review this matter and engage with stakeholders regarding this price hike,” said Tan.
The Standing Order sets out the payment structure for processing applications, purchases and other services provided by the Kuala Lumpur mayor to the public.
“As far as I know, the Standing Order has not yet been approved by the Attorney-General’s Chambers and I hope the crematorium fees remain unchanged,” added Tan.
In response, sources within DBKL said the mayor had ordered the new fee implementation to be postponed immediately.
sos
This post has been edited by Srbn: Mar 4 2025, 10:40 AM
DBKL Crematorium ‘1,200% increase too steep’
Quote
0.0182sec
1.09
5 queries
GZIP Disabled