GEORGE TOWN (Dec 30, 2013): A new gas-fuelled incinerator at the Batu Lanchang Hindu crematorium and burial ground was fired up today for a test-run.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board (HEB) chairman Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said the 45-minute trial incineration used a package of 80kg of potatoes wrapped in plastic to simulate the cremation of a body using the new machine.
The new incinerator will start operating tomorrow under the first phase of the refurbishment efforts which started in October, he told a press conference after visiting the burial ground today, accompanied by other board members.
He said RM70,000 had so far been spent to refurbish the cemetery and to upgrade the services offered. He said the second phase, which will cost about RM2 million, will start soon and will include refurbishing the graves.
“Experts have also been brought in to improve the function and works of the incinerator at the cemetery,” he added.