“Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari noted that most families and next of kin participating in relocating 90 graves from the Klang Strait Muslim Cemetery supported the decision to exhume and transfer them.“
SELANGOR, 6th May 2024 – Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari stated that most family members and next of kin engaged in the relocation process of 90 graves at the Klang Strait Muslim Cemetery were in agreement with the decision to exhume and transfer the graves.
He mentioned that presently, the state government, represented by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and local authorities (PBT), is prioritizing negotiations to secure consent from the remaining next of kin for the progression of the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project in the region.
“We will persist in dialogue with all concerned parties as the majority have already consented.”
“At a press briefing held at Bangunan Wisma Dewan Negeri Selangor on Friday, he stated, ‘For those next of kin who have not yet agreed, we will extend another week for discussions with JAIS, PBT, and ECRL.'”
He addressed media reports indicating opposition from certain next of kin and family members regarding the relocation of graves, following a meeting with JAIS on Wednesday, May 1.
Earlier, on Tuesday, April 30, Amirudin declared the postponement of the excavation and relocation of graves, originally slated for Wednesday. This delay of one week was primarily to facilitate the notification and hearing process for the remaining 45 next of kin associated with the graves.
In further developments, Amirudin disclosed that the state government aims to attract 30,000 visitors, both local and international, to the Turath Islami Festival. This event is scheduled to take place at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque from May 26 to June 2, 2024.
He highlighted that in its second year, the festival’s objective is to revitalize and propagate Selangor’s Islamic heritage. Notably, it will feature the participation of two distinguished scholars: former grand mufti of Egypt, Maulana Al-Imam Dr. Ali Jum’ah, and Habib Umar Hafiz.
“Having two eminent global scholars and 23 renowned scholars from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, we anticipate a threefold increase in visitor turnout compared to last year’s approximate 10,000 attendees,” he remarked.
“The hosting of this second festival underscores the Selangor state government’s dedication to propagate and rejuvenate Islamic heritage,” he added.
Amirudin mentioned that the festival will feature 12 key events, including a study session on the Forty Hadith book by Imam Nawawi, to be conducted by Al-Imam Dr. Ali Jum’ah. Additionally, there will be an international seminar focusing on the book Riyadhu al-Solihin.
