The new Chinese gravesite in Bukit Gelugor, Johor, to which graves in Pengerang will be relocated was selected by a Feng Shui expert for its “good Feng Shui”, the Kota Tinggi district office said.

“This is not the first time Chinese graves in Malaysia are relocated. It has also been conducted in Singapore before. This should be viewed in a more positive manner,” district officer Mohd Noorazam Osman said in a statement.

He added that the government was not moving the graves yesterday, as feared by residents, but was only conducted a survey to plan the layout of the new site.

“No digging or relocation work took place,” he said, adding that the survey was done with assistance of experts to ensure Chinese customs were adhered to.

 

He said that since Jan 16, the heirs of 150 people who are buried in the gravesite have agreed to relocate the graves, not including unclaimed graves, while the rest have until Mar 15 to register.

He said that if no objection or agreement is recorded, it would be assumed that the graves have no heirs. Residents can call 014-619 8613 for queries.

 

He said that the Muslim graves will be moved to Punggai, while all residents affected by the 20,000-acre Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex will be relocated to Taman Bayu Damai.

 

The first phase of homes will be receive certificate of fitness next month.

There was a standoff at the Chinese cemetery in Sungai Kapal, Pengerang when residents rushed to the cemetary upon hearing that authorities were there to count the graves.

One man was handcuffed by the police who were protecting the surveyors, but was later released.

 

Resident activists who oppose the relocation, slam the authorites for the survey work as there is a residents' case against the Johor government to stop the relocation, pending in court.