Leng How Koe Columbarium & Funeral Parlour

Leng Hoe Koe Columbarium (1 May 2014)


Leng How Koe Columbarium & Funeral Parlour (GPS: 5.38528, 100.27453), officially the United Hokkien Cemeteries Paya Terubong Columbarium & Funeral Parlour, is a funerary complex in Paya Terubong, Penang. It is one of the funerary sites managed by the Penang United Hokkien Cemeteries. The RM20 million complex includes a six-storey columbarium that accommodates 40,000 niches, making it possibly the largest columbarium on Penang Island. They include air-conditioned niches on the sixth floor. At its initial opening, niches on the first, second and sixth floors are put for sale at RM2,500 upwards. The whole complex is surrounded by the graveyard of the Paya Terubong Cemetery, which is also under the management of the United Hokkien Cemeteries.

Porch, Leng Hoe Koe Columbarium (1 May 2014)


The Leng How Koe Columbarium & Funeral Parlour took over two years to construct. It occupies a 2.02-hectare site in the Paya Terubong Hokkien Cemeteries area. In addition to the columbarium, there is also a funeral parlour with six alcoves where funerary rites can be performed. The parlour begins operations from Monday, 5 May, 2014.

Facilities at the columbarium & funeral parlour include an ancestral hall to house some 2,000 ancestral tablets, a prayer hall, a canteen, a shrine, an administrative office, a rest area and a large car park.

United Hokkien Cemeteries Ancestral Hall (1 May 2014)

Updates

1 May, 2014: I paid a visit to the Leng How Koe Columbarium & Funeral Parlour, to find out more and have a first-hand look at the place. It is certainly massive. We were told that the complex opened four days ago, on Monday. There were other visitors, especially at the columbarium office, where price lists were being circulated. We took one to have a look.

If you expect to be shocked by the prices, then you are within your expectation. Having said that, I also have to point out that one has to be realistic over land prices in Penang, so those who want to purchase a niche here should be prepared that niches are not given away as charity. It was reported in the newspaper that prices start from RM2,500, the catch word is "from". That gives you half of a couples niche (which in fact goes for RM5,000) on Block 2A Side Corner, on the low side of the wall.

Prospective buyers checking out the Leng Hoe Koe 2nd floor niches (1 May 2014)


Most of the niches can accommodate two funerary urns, meaning the remains of two persons - most likely couples - can be placed there. Except for the niches on the lower part of the wall, except the rest of the niches to cost in the five-figure region, meaning from RM10,000 upwards.

If you have over RM25,000 to burn (and there certainly would be some), you can also purchase niches on the sixth floor. This has been appropriately called the "Sky View Penthouse". Even the number six in Penang Hokkien as "luck". The whole place is air conditioned and there are glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Even the niches are like glimmering gold.

Leng Hoe Koe, sixth floor (1 May 2014)


Skyview penthouse niches of the Leng How Koe Columbarium (1 May 2014)


If you feel the entire set up is an exercise in materialism, I have to defend it. I believe United Hokkien Cemeteries is doing it congruent to the expectations of the local Chinese. I mean, this is the reflection of the well-being of the locals, and if they can afford the luxury, even in the after-life, why shouldn't they indulge in it, after all, where else can they bring their money. I am saying in with the expectation that they have done their part to society, and the rest is for them to enjoy.

Funeral Parlour, Leng How Koe Columbarium (1 May 2014)


Leng Hoe Koe Funeral Parlour (1 May 2014)


23 March, 2014: The official opening of Leng How Koe, or United Hokkien Cemeteries Penang columbarium in Paya Terubong, was done by Penang Chief Minister Mr Lim Guan Eng, accompanied by Chow Kon Yeow and Yeoh Soon Hin (state assemblyman for Paya Terubong).

How to go to Leng How Koe Columbarium & Funeral Parlour

Leng How Koe Columbarium & Funeral Parlour is located immediately behind the Paya Terubong Shell petrol station, across from the junction of Lebuhraya Thean Teik. The nearest bus stop is along Jalan Paya Terubong. It is served by Rapid Penang bus 201, 203 and 502.

Graveyard of the Paya Terubong Cemetery (1 May 2014)

Leng How Koe Columbarium and Funeral Parlour is on the Map of Jalan Paya Terubong, Penang

Leng How Koe Columbarium and Funeral Parlour is on the Map of Paya Terubong

References

List of Cemeteries in Penang and Cemeteries in Malaysia