PETALING JAYA: With the Kwong Tong Cemetery (KTC) Kuala Lumpur grouped in cultural heritage and sites under the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (KLSP2040), its management said it would continue to serve as a cultural asset not only to the Chinese community but also the country and perhaps the world.
KLSP2040 was approved on Oct 4, while the gazette was published on Oct 19. It is scheduled for public display and hearings next year.
With this status, ancient graves of Chinese pioneers in Kuala Lumpur, including Yap Ah Loy, Yap Kwan Seng, Chew Yoke, Cheong Yoke Choy and Chan Sow Lin can be saved from potential destruction.
KTC will collaborate with Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Association and the Guangxi Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to boost efforts to beautify cemeteries in the region and develop them into cultural tourism attractions, said its president Lim Soo Lek.
“We appeal to the government for an annual systematic allocation to Kwong Tong Cemetery Kuala Lumpur. The allocation should be based on the area, enabling the board to use the funds efficiently to enhance the internal facilities of the cemetery and contribute to tree-planting and landscaping efforts,” he said.
Lim added that transforming KTC into a historical heritage requires a lot of funds and professional input.
“According to a monument erected in 1925, KTC was founded in 1895, which was also the year the then British government announced its establishment in the constitutional gazette. Therefore, we estimate that it is now at least 128 years old,” Lim told theSun in an earlier interview.
“The burial ground along Jalan Dewan Bahasa covers an area of 106ha, and the accumulated area in Sungai Besi exceeds 36ha.
“Starting in the 2000s, two modern cemeteries – Kerayong Modern Burial Lots (20ha) and Sungai Besi Modern Burial Lots (2ha) – were developed, making it the largest cemetery in Kuala Lumpur.”
In a media appreciation event at Wisma KTC in Kuala Lumpur recently, Lim said: “We appreciate the responsible and unbiased reporting from the media, serving as the voice of the cemetery (KTC).”
The banquet was organised to express gratitude to the media for its support and assistance throughout the year.
A total of 160 guests, including over 50 representatives from 10 Chinese and English print media, news portals and television stations, such as theSun, Sin Chew Daily, Guang Ming Daily, China Press, Nanyang Siang Pau, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, Oriental Daily News, Radio Televisyen Malaysia, The Star and The Scoop attended the event.