In a statement today, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said there was no guarantee that prices would not “increase beyond affordability in the future”.

“The priority of a business is to generate profit. No matter how strictly you regulate charges, a private operator will always make justifications to seek an increase in charges.

“The increased cost will be transferred to the public. This will burden the people, especially those from the lower-income segment of society, when the high cost of living continues to affect the quality of life,” the NGO said.

MCCBCHST said crematorium facilities should be part of the local authorities’ basic services, as taxes already provide the government with substantial revenue.

“MBPJ must review the efficiency of its operation of the crematorium instead of taking the easy way out by privatising this basic public facility,” it said.

Petaling Jaya mayor Zahri Samingon previously said that the MBPJ-operated crematorium would be privatised after undergoing upgrades.

The upgrades, expected to cost RM8 million to RM12 million, will see the crematorium enhanced, as well as the construction of a new columbarium, casket showroom, mortuary preparation room, and management office.