KUALA KANGSAR, Mar 18 (Sin Chew Daily) — More than half of the cemeteries in Perak are likely to close for Cheng Meng festival this year, says Perak Chinese Cemeteries Joint Association chairman Li Guan Lin.

Most of the cemeteries are unsure if they are able to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government for Cheng Meng, he said.

Citing an example, he said two cemeteries in Kuala Kangsar are prepared to lodge a police report stating that the cemeteries would be closed. 

Those who violate the SOPs by insisting to perform prayers at the cemetery are to be responsible for the consequences.

The Perak Chinese Cemeteries Joint Association is made up of more than 40 members. Currently seven of them have decided not to open for Cheng Meng, namely Perak Kwang Tung Chinese Burial Ground, Kwangtung and Kwangsai cemeteries in Kuala Kangsar, Kampar Chinese Temple & Cemetery Association, Slim Village Chinese Temple & Cemetery Association, Bidor Chinese Cemetery, Teluk Intan Kwang Tung Cemetery and Hokkien Cemetery in Kuala Kangsar.

LI said he believed more members would adopt the same approach as they were worried about the RM50,000 fine for failing to comply with the SOPs.

Li, who is also the chairman for Kwang Tung and Kwangsai Cemeteries in Kuala Kangsar, said more than 3,000 people visited the two cemeteries daily to perform prayers during the festival. The committee did not have sufficient manpower to ensure visitors comply with strict SOPs. 

"The committee members, mainly senior citizens, are volunteers and it is impossible for them to remain at the cemetery to monitor on a daily basis," he said.

The National Unity Ministry, in a statement, said the SOPs for Cheng Meng will apply from March 20 to April 18.

The Cheng Meng festival is observed by the local Chinese community who will hold prayers and clean the graves of their ancestors as a sign of respect and to honor their departed relatives.

For the SOPs at cemeteries, the number of close relatives should not be more than six people at any one time, prayers should be conducted from 5 am to 6 pm with a duration of 90 minutes at most.

Li said some of the families have more than one grave to clean and pray at the cemetery. He asked who should pay for the fine if they exceed 90 minutes.