KL Funeral Services managing director S Paramasarathy said his company had more than 35 years of experience in funerals and delivery of bodies or ashes abroad but it was now facing problems obtaining permits during weekends.

He appealed to the government to simplify the procedures.

Paramasarathy said previously the permit was issued by the health and environment department of DBKL.

Since last year, the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya health department had taken over this task, but permits were only issued from Mondays to Thursdays.

“Previously permits were issued for seven days until midnight. Now, this is being done only on four days a week, from Monday to Thursday,” he told Bernama TV in a special interview.

He said if there was any death of a foreigner from Friday to Sunday, the body could not be repatriated on Saturday or Sunday but would have to wait until Monday.

He said this delay had caused an increase in the number of bodies being kept at his company’s premises along Jalan Klang Lama.

“This is troublesome for all, including the embassies and the next of kin waiting to carry out their funeral rites.”

This is especially critical for Muslims who must be buried as quickly as possible, he added.

Paramasarathy said when they complained, they were told there was a lack of staff.