Compiled by C. ARUNO, RAHIMY RAHIM and R. ARAVINTHAN

       THE Bahau Sivalogam Hindu crematorium in Negri Sembilan will remain closed for seven days while its management tries to find a replacement for the sole equipment operator who has fallen ill, reported Makkal Osai.

       The issue came to light after complaints by families who could not perform cremations at the facility.

       Community leaders, including another councillor identified as Subramaniam, the Jerai village head identified as Rajkumar and others, expressed their dissatisfaction over the interruption in services.

       The crematorium management committee chairman, Datuk Dr S. Krishnan, said they had only one employee who was trained to operate the crematorium.

       > Makkal Osai also reported the call by Selangor-based metal recyclers to the government to allow the industry to operate to avoid a complete collapse.

       The Selangor Metal Recyclers and Traders Association said its members were facing a tough time.

       “They are unable to pay the rent for their yards, offices or even water and electricity,” said its president V. Nanthakumar.

       The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.