THIS inquiry may be belated but I am sure the public would love to know whether the announcement of Jan 5 by the previous Selangor government that it would contribute RM2,000 for the funeral expenses of Selangor residents above the age of 60 still applies.

This (monetary assistance) would be a relief, especially for the needy, although it is getting more costly these days to send off the dead.

In fact, it is more costly for Chinese funerals. There are different packages to choose, from as little as RM8,000 or more.

The RM8,000 would only pay to hire the monks and for food. This excludes expenses such as the purchase of a burial plot and construction of a tomb -- which the bereaved family has to buy separately.

In fact, the amount is too small for Chinese funerals.
So, in view of the situation, senior citizens would be more than happy if the government could increase the amount a little more to help ease the financial constraints.

The bottom line is that most senior citizens of 60 and above would be very grateful if the contribution of RM2,000 to help them send off the dead is still applicable.

It is hoped that the present Selangor government will honour the issue as well as look into the request to increase the amount a little more.

Funeral costs appear to be on the rise nowadays.