Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved an additional RM1 million allocation to the Penang State Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) for a modern Hindu crematorium in Bagan on August 23, 2026, during a press conference at the project site on Jalan Siram in Butterworth [1, 2, 3, 4].
This brings total funding for the project to RM2.5 million, up from the RM1.5 million previously allocated by Anwar. The original allocation was found insufficient to complete the facility, which is much needed by the Hindu community in Seberang Prai (also spelled Seberang Perai) [1, 2, 3, 4].
The approximately 4,000-square-foot crematorium will be Penang’s second modern electric facility, following the crematorium in Batu Lanchang [1, 2, 3]. The new site aims to provide a more organised, suitable, and comfortable place for Hindus to perform final rites according to their customs and religious beliefs [1, 2, 3, 4].
PHEB commissioner Kumaran Krishnan said the crematorium "was important in providing a more organised, suitable and comfortable facility for the Hindu community to perform final rites according to their customs and religious beliefs" and called it a "long-term facility for the benefit of the Hindu community, particularly in Seberang Prai and the surrounding areas" [1, 2].
The facility will reduce reliance on crematoriums located farther away from the Hindu community there [1, 2, 3, 4]. PHEB chairman RSN Rayer highlighted that "this additional approval reflects the concern and commitment of the Madani government and the prime minister in ensuring that the needs of Malaysia's multiracial and multireligious communities are given fair attention" [1]. Kumaran Krishnan also said it reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to inclusivity for people of different races and religions [4].
The tender process for construction has opened, with the project expected to be fully completed by mid-2027 [1, 2, 3].
