GEORGE TOWN: The PAS Penang Supporters Club want the Pakatan Rakyat government to gazette at least six sites across the state to enable the Hindu community to perform their funeral rites.
The club chairman P Asokan said that the Penang Hindu community needed at least three gazetted sites on the island and one each in the three districts on mainland Seberang Perai.
“The sites should be located along a riverbank or the beach in accordance with the Hindu tradition of performing funeral prayers at natural sites where free flowing waters enable the souls to rest in peace,” Asokan told FMT today.
He informed that he will be submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng soon regarding the issue.
Currently the Hindu community conduct their funeral rites indiscriminately along any available beachfront as no particular sites have been gazetted for them.
Asokan said that he would however discuss the matter with PAS state commissioner Mohamad Sabu before proceeding with the memorandum.
“Till today, Penang Hindus have not been allocated a proper gazetted site where they can perform their compulsory funeral rituals and prayers.”
“It is viewed as an important issue for the Hindu community and if needed, our club members would be able to assist in identifying ideal sites.”