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POLICE are investigating a disturbing theft involving 30 columbarium urns reported missing from a cemetery in Nilai, Selangor, with preliminary leads suggesting a possible ransom demand.
Nilai district police chief, Superintendent Johari Yahya, confirmed that the cemetery management lodged a police report after discovering the missing urns.
Police received the report on February 26, noting that multiple urns had disappeared from the columbarium.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the cemetery management received an international WhatsApp voice call from an individual claiming to possess the missing urns,” Johari said.
Authorities are not ruling out a connection between the caller and the theft, as the individual allegedly demanded payment in exchange for the urns’ return.
“Police are investigating the case under Section 380 (theft), Section 384 (extortion) and Section 297 (trespassing in burial places) of the Penal Code,” he added.
Technical assistance has been sought from relevant agencies to help identify the suspect and trace the communication network used.
In response, the memorial park issued a statement confirming the theft and announcing an internal review.
The management said that affected families had been personally contacted and reassured, acknowledging the distress caused by the incident.
“We understand the concerns and unease among the affected families and the public, and we deeply regret the distress this may cause. We have taken various measures to address the incident and conducted a comprehensive review of all relevant processes to safeguard the families’ interests,” the statement said.
This case follows an earlier report of more than 20 urns being stolen from Perpetual Memorial Park in Kulai, indicating a troubling pattern of cemetery thefts in the region. - March 18, 2026