SERIAN: More than 100 Islamic graves at the Kemayau Islamic Cemetery here have been affected by continuous rainfall that has persisted across parts of Sarawak since late January.
Among them, 14 graves have sustained severe damage due to soil erosion and ground movement caused by the prolonged wet conditions.
Serian Muslim Charitable Trust (LAKIS) chairman Ustaz Mohammad Amin Dan said that the organisation has taken immediate measures to mitigate further damage.
He said the cemetery management has been working to repair the affected graves gradually, filling in the eroded areas bit by bit.
“We have reinforced the affected graves by covering them with soil and stones, as well as using canvas sheets as temporary protection against further erosion.
“Additionally, LAKIS has officially informed the Serian Division Islamic Religious Officer Ustaz Madihi Jamali, who has since visited the site to assess the situation firsthand.
“However, we strongly encourage the families of the deceased to also play a role in ensuring that their relatives’ resting places are properly maintained,” he said to Sarawak Tribune.
Amin noted that while cemetery upkeep is an ongoing effort, community participation remains vital.
Traditionally, he said a large-scale communal clean-up is held at the cemetery one week before Ramadan where volunteers, including family members of the deceased, come together to tidy and restore the site.
The recent weather conditions serve as a reminder of the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the dignity of the final resting place of loved ones.
With continued cooperation from both the management and the families, efforts to restore and protect the affected graves can be carried out more effectively.
