MIRI: More people are opting for cremation as an alternative choice, which has seen a rising trend during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, an average 20 bodies a month have been cremated at the Crematorium of Persatuan Ghee San Riam Miri.
“From January this year until now, 272 bodies have been cremated here, which showed an increasing trend compared to 264 (bodies) during the corresponding period in 2019,” he said when met yesterday (Oct 4) during his visit to the Crematorium of Persatuan Ghee San Riam Miri.
On another note, Lee disclosed that two units of furnace at the crematorium, which previously were broken, are now functioning properly after being repaired.
“A month ago, the feedback from the community here was that they (the deceased’s families and relatives) have to queue up for cremations as there was only one furnace running at that time,” Lee said.
He added that a new state-of-the-art furnace will be operating at the crematorium once the assemble work is completed.
The new unit including the extension building is worth RM1 million, which will include a computerised furnace system.
“With the current (two) furnace units repaired, the problem (queuing) is resolved and I believe that with the new system coming in, it should be able to meet the requirements of the local community,” he said.
