Malaysia drafting new national guidelines for non-Muslim cemeteries, crematoria and columbarium plan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — Malaysia is preparing to roll out a national planning guideline for non-Muslim cemeteries, crematoria and columbarium facilities, in an effort to tighten rules on how such developments are sited and managed.

According to The Star, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the draft guideline is being developed by the Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (PLANMalaysia) to strengthen planning standards for burial and cremation facilities nationwide.

He said the framework would require planners to take into account a wide range of factors before approval is granted.

“Site selection must also avoid high-risk areas such as flood-prone zones, landslide-prone areas, and locations that may have adverse impacts on the environment and surrounding communities,” he said in a parliamentary reply.

Nga said the guideline would also set clear distance requirements between crematoria and surrounding developments.

“A buffer zone of at least 30m (100ft) must be provided between crematorium sites and development boundaries,” he said.

He added that crematoria may be integrated with cemeteries or memorial parks, but would not be allowed in residential, commercial, recreational or tourism zones.

Facilities using diesel or oil fuel may only be located in heavy industrial areas, he said.

Open-air cremation, Nga said, would be permitted in rural or village areas but would not be allowed on peat soil.

All proposed developments must still obtain planning permission from local authorities, with assessments covering land suitability, infrastructure readiness, traffic impact and technical input from relevant agencies.

“In considering such applications, the local authority will refer to the guidelines, taking into account site suitability, compatibility with surrounding land use, infrastructure provision, traffic systems, as well as technical comments and recommendations from relevant agencies,” he said.

On a proposed crematorium in Pekan Endau, Mersing, Johor, Nga said the project falls under state and local authority jurisdiction.

The facility, proposed on Lot 213 in Mukim Padang Endau by the Endau Chinese Cemetery Association, would be the first crematorium in the district.

It is located within a 10-acre Chinese burial reserve, with the crematorium occupying 0.66 acres.

Nga said no formal objections were received from residents, and planning permission was issued on April 16, 2026.

“According to Mersing District Council records, up to the date the application was considered, no written objections or official feedback from local residents had been received regarding the proposal,” he said.

“A Planning Permission approval form (Form C1) was issued to the applicant on April 16, 2026,” he added.

The ministry, Nga said, will continue ensuring crematorium developments are carried out in an orderly manner in compliance with laws and guidelines, while taking into account local sensitivities.