As the relocation of five non-Muslim cemeteries in Pengerang enters its final phase, affected families are rushing to register with the authorities.

Yesterday, 25 families turned up, bringing the total number of graves registered for relocation to 680.

Kota Tinggi District Officer Mohd Noorazam Osman urged interested parties to register with the authorities by Friday which was the deadline.

He said old cemeteries were on government-owned land and as such, the government would deal with unregistered graves, in accordance with the law.

He noted that the families were given more than sufficient notice and reminders.

“The government followed all legal and administrative processes in this exercise as the cemeteries had been declared closed on Jan 15, following which several reminders were published in the mainstream newspapers,” he said in a statement in Kota Tinggi today.

Mohd Noorazam said the government had given April 18 as a final deadline for registration.

However, based on requests from various quarters, he had asked the contractor, Pengerang Memorial Sdn Bhd (PMSB) to continue registering those who came forward.

“Nevertheless, this will end on Friday, which is the last day,” he added.

Meanwhile, a PMSB spokesperson said relocation work was proceeding smoothly, thanks to the cooperation and understanding of the families who had consented to the relocation.

So far, the remains of 90 people have been exhumed and reburied, in accordance with the wishes of the next-of-kin.

The spokesperson urged other families to register quickly so his workers could schedule the exhumation date and arrange for the relevant ceremonies to be conducted.

He said the latest survey indicated there were 1,646 graves, of which about 500 did not have any known living descendant.

- Bernama