Sungai Dua: A five-acre (2.2 hectare) padi field in Sungai Dua has been acquired for the development of a centralised Muslim cemetery to meet the needs of the local Muslim community, said Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the land acquisition process began in January 2021 following discussions between the Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) district religious administrative officer and the District and Land Office, before the matter was brought to the state level by the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP).

Mohamad stated that the project was initially approved in principle by the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) and later received approval from the State Land Committee in 2022. The estimated land acquisition cost of RM7.06 million was assessed by the Valuation and Property Services Department and is funded under the 2024 Budget allocation.

The Public Works Department has estimated that land reclamation for the entire site will cost RM2.2 million, with phase one, covering 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares), costing RM500,000. However, an additional RM200,000 is required due to the need for road access for landfilling at the rear section of the site, bringing the total cost for the first phase to RM700,000.

Mohamad mentioned that the land, previously owned by individuals from Permatang Sungai Dua, was officially gazetted as the SPU district centralised Muslim cemetery on January 2 this year. Landfilling works are expected to begin next month, taking four months to complete, with the cemetery anticipated to be fully operational by October.

As MAINPP president, Mohamad highlighted that the cemetery development would proceed in stages based on demand. Should phase one prove sufficient, the remaining land could be optimized for other developments benefiting the community. The conversion of the padi field is part of efforts to better coordinate and manage Muslim cemeteries systematically and efficiently.