33 grave transfers at Kampung Ganchong Hulu to counter Pahang river erosion

PEKAN - Residents' lonstanding concerns on the threat of erosion from the Pahang River along the embankment area of Islamic cemetery at Kampung Ganchong Hulu, here, has come to an end after 33 graves were relocated today.

Masjid Besar Ganchong Chairman Mohd Nor Azmi Nordin, 67 said the relocation process was carried out by more than 30 personnel from various agencies over the course of two days starting from yesterday.

He said the graves were successfully moved to the Padang Laka Islamic Cemetery, located about two kilometers (km) away from the old cemetery area.

"We were concerned that if the effort to relocate the graves were not carried out before the monsoon season at the end of this year, there could be graves that would be washed away by Pahang River when erosion occurs. So, the decision to relocate the graves immediately is the right move.

"According to records, these graves are between three to ten years old and are still in good condition," he said today.

Agencies involved in the grave relocation include the Forensic Department of Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA), Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP); Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP), Pekan Health Department, Pekan District Police Headquarters (IPD) and Civil Defense Force (Rela).

He said a total of 17 graves were relocated yesterday, while another 16 graves were relocated today.

He said the operation followed regulations and guidelines set by the authorities.

"The original distance of the Islamic Cemetery of Kampung Ganchong Hulu from the banks of the Pahang River was about 10 meters.

"However, due to erosion, the distance between them now is only about two meters," he added.

Meanwhile, Zaini Abdul Kadir, 59, expressed gratitude that the grave of his son, buried in 2016, has been safely transferred to the new cemetery area.

He said four of his children were buried in the Islamic Cemetery of Kampung Ganchong Hulu but only one had to be relocated as it was located on the banks of Pahang River.

"I'm grateful to have participated in helping with the operation to relocate the graves for two days; it was a touching moment to see all 33 graves being exhumed and moved to the Padang Laka Islamic Cemetery," he said.

On Dec 2, 2021, Sinar highlighted concerns of Kampung Ganchong Hulu residents on the erosion at Pahang river.

The cemetery area still had a remaining distance of two meters from the Pahang River, raising worries of erosion during monsoon season.