Over 40 Bodies Reburied in Mass Grave After Sandakan Cemetery Landslide

In Sandakan, Malaysia, more than 40 bodies exhumed due to a landslide at the Kampung Sim-Sim Islamic Cemetery were reburied in a single mass grave. The solemn ceremony took place in a cleared area within the same cemetery.

The Sabah State Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAINS) coordinated the reburial, working alongside multiple agencies, including the Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM), Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), police, and local residents. The process followed the advice of the Sabah Mufti to ensure the dignity of the deceased was maintained, conducting a collective reburial in accordance with Islamic law.

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The process was carried out according to the advice of the Sabah Mufti so that all the deceased were reburied collectively in one grave in accordance with Syariah law and to maintain the dignity of the deceased.

Officials stated that the operation proceeded smoothly due to the collaborative efforts of all involved parties. The Director of JHEAINS Sabah monitored the proceedings remotely to ensure all arrangements were orderly. To prevent future risks, it has been proposed that the affected cemetery area be declared a prohibited zone for burials, thereby safeguarding public safety.

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The affected burial area is proposed to be declared a prohibited burial area to avoid landslide risks and ensure public safety.