KUCHING: The soon-to-be-built Semariang Islamic Cemetery Complex (SICC) costing RM3 million will serve as a one-stop centre to manage Muslim funeral and burial services in Kuching.
Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS) chief executive officer Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai who said this added the construction of the complex was mooted by former chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
Abdul Wahap said all activities related to fadhu kifayah (religious obligations that must be discharged by Muslims) would be administered by Cemetery Division officers.
“The role and responsibilities of the Cemetery Division will focus on the management and administration of the Semariang Islamic Cemetery.
“This includes carrying out the work of preparing the graves and the pits for burial once reports of death are received from the Funeral Management Unit,” he said at the symbolic earth-breaking ceremony of the complex at Ma’had Tahfiz Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub (Mattary) today.
The complex, which is expected to be completed in 2022, will be a new landmark for Muslims in Sarawak.
“With modern Islamic contemporary iconic designs, the complex will have two fardhu kifayah rooms, an open space hall and a spacious prayer hall,” added Abdul Wahap.
To support the state’s green and sustainability agenda, it would be a green building designed to be environmentally friendly, explained Abdul Wahap.
“The building will be installed with energy saving tools including LED lights. The lighting will be based on natural lighting with the element of rainwater harvesting and water recycling,” he added.
The establishment of the complex, he pointed out, was a significant recognition of funeral management as a professional career.
