Four residents from Pengerang, Johor today filed a suit against the state government to prevent four Chinese cemeteries from being relocated to make way for a massive petrochemical plant.

The quartet are Chong Chun Yet, Chong Ah Sin, Lim Kui Hak and Hong Thian Haw. They have named the state government, the Kota Tinggi Land Office and the state economic planning unit as respondents.

They represented four Chinese cemeteries in Pengerang which will be acquired by the state government. In all, the state government has earmarked five Chinese cemeteries for relocation.

The four respondents are applying for a judicial review by the Johor Baru High Court to revoke the state government's decision to relocate the four cemeteries on grounds that the cemeteries, all over a century old, were heritage sites.

The residents were represented by lawyers Chia Kwok Wei, Jimmy Puah and Hassan Karim

In their application statement, the quartet claimed they have submitted forms to the National Heritage Department on Aug 8 to nominate the four cemeteries as national heritage sites.

They claimed that the relocation will affect the historical value of the cemeteries and the respondents have acted illegally and beyond their jurisdiction.

“The decision is unjust, unfair and not an informed decision,” read the application statement.

They added the respondents have failed to consult and negotiate with the plaintiffs before making the decision, which will create cultural and social disputes.

The quartet also requested the court to freeze the relocation decision during hearing.