The Malaysia Hindu Sangam has called on the government to help reduce the funeral costs for those who has succumbed to COVID-19.

Its president RS Mohan Shan said that when usual cremations cost around RM2,500 to RM2,800, undertakers are now charging up to RM5,000 to cases involving COVID-19 casualties, citing the personal protective equipment (PPE) that had to be worn by their employees, among others.

"Families from the lower income group and those who lose more than one family member are not able to afford it," Free Malaysia Today (FMT) quoted him saying in a statement.

Mohan also suggested that the Malaysia Hindu Sangam is roped in to help the Hindu community purchase the coffins and the remains of COVID-19 victims shuttled in a Health Ministry van to a crematorium managed by a local council, as done by the Muslims.

"Such measures will help reduce the financial burden faced by the Hindu community, and prevent coffin makers from taking advantage by increasing the prices," he reportedly said.

Besides, the association was also seeking approval for cremations of Hindus who have died of COVID-19 to be done openly to cut cost and waiting time at crematoriums, he added.

Yesterday,a whopping 13,034 new COVID-19 cases and 134 deaths were recorded in the country, bringing the total number of cases and fatalities to 964,918, and 7,574, respectively.


Source: FMT
Photo source: Bernama