Kangar: The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, has urged for the immediate enhancement of the Islamic cemetery land management system across the state. He emphasized the need for a uniform and efficient standard to ensure the long-term sustainability of waqf land.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin highlighted the importance of every mosque kariah committee and cemetery management body in Perlis adopting the Perlis State Islamic Cemetery Land Management Guidelines as their main reference. This adoption aims to eliminate issues such as space wastage and uncontrolled congestion in burial grounds. The implementation of these guidelines is seen as a proactive measure by the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) in addressing the challenge of waqf land density by learning from international best practices in funeral and cemetery management.

The Raja Muda of Perlis, who also serves as the president of MAIPs, made these remarks following a visit to the Old Arau Royal Mausoleum, accompanied by the Perlis Public Works Department (JKR) and the Perlis Federal Development Office (ICU JPM). He noted that the MAIPs Conference No. 6/2025, held on December 4 of the previous year, had approved the Perlis State Islamic Cemetery Land Management Guidelines.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin proposed that the state's cemetery management consider adopting practices from Saudi Arabia, particularly the simplicity observed at the Al-Baqi' Cemetery in Madinah. The practice of marking graves in a simple manner, without permanent or elaborate structures, aligns with syarak requirements and facilitates a more efficient land management system.

He also expressed admiration for the system implemented in Singapore, where cemetery areas like Pusara Aman have been developed based on a 'Cemetery in a Park' concept, despite limited land availability. This approach, utilizing uniform headstones on flat grass surfaces, not only conserves space but also allows for easy maintenance to keep the area clean and well-maintained.

Additionally, the Raja Muda of Perlis referenced experiences in Egypt that could provide valuable insights into managing cemeteries in high-density population areas while preserving historical values and respect for the deceased.