Review Muslim burial fee hike, Shah Alam council told

 Selangor PAS Youth says the council should subsidise burial costs instead of burdening grieving families.

An infographic outlining the Shah Alam City Council’s revised fees for Muslim burials. (Facebook pic)

SHAH ALAM:

Selangor PAS Youth has urged the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to withdraw or suspend the RM150 increase for Muslim burials at cemeteries under its administration.

Its deputy chief, Aubidullah Fahim Ibrahim, said the new rates took effect today at the Section 21 and Section 31 cemeteries.

Under the revised fee structure, Shah Alam residents are charged RM270, non-residents RM390, and foreigners RM450.

The charges, which cover the preparation of burial plots and wooden grave supports, were previously set at RM120, RM240 and RM300, respectively.

Aubidullah said the sharp increase was unreasonable at a time when many people were struggling with the rising cost of living.

He said MBSA, which he claimed generates about RM500 million a year from assessment taxes, licensing fees, compound fines and other sources, should be able to absorb or subsidise the cost.

“Managing Muslim burials is a basic public service. The state government and local council have a duty to ensure that families are not burdened at a time of grief,” he said in a Facebook post.

Aubidullah called on MBSA to work with the Selangor Zakat Board and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council to provide burial assistance.

He also urged the Shah Alam mayor and the Selangor government to review the new rates and introduce a subsidy for Selangor residents, saying public welfare should be reflected in compassionate and empathetic policies, especially in matters involving the death of a loved one. - FMT