No Muslim graves shifted for Pengerang project, says Ghani

Ghani said Johor is trying to find a resolution to the relocation of Chinese graves for the project.—File pic

JOHOR BARU, Aug 20 — The Johor mentri besar has clarified there has been no relocation of Muslim graves to make way for the construction of the RM60 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Intergrated Complex (Rapid) project in Pengerang.

In a statement issued here today, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman also clarified that the state government was working closely with the Chinese associations to find an amicable solution to the relocation of Chinese cemeteries.

“There has been no relocation of Muslim graves. As for Chinese cemeteries, the state government is working closely with Chinese associations to find an amicable solution to the relocation of the graves,” he said.

The mentri besar was responding to media reports on the Rapid project and the relocation of Chinese graves by Johor MCA deputy chairman Datuk Hoo Seong Chang yesterday.

Hoo, when met by reporters, said the Johor MCA will meet family members linked to the 3,000 Chinese graves that will be affected by the relocation.

Abdul Ghani also clarified yesterday’s news reports that stated the 100-odd police reports received by the Kota Tinggi police from Pengerang residents, on the issue of the grave relocation.

According to the mentri besar, the police reports were not exclusively on the grave issue, but also included cumulative reports covering other matters, pertaining to the Pengerang oil and gas developments. — Bernama