Is it permissible to relocate old graves on waqf cemetery land owned by the Johor Port Authority at Tanjung Pelepas?

Summary

The Johor State Fatwa Committee ruled that digging up and moving the old graves on this waqf cemetery land to a nearby burial ground is permissible. The ruling rests on honouring the deceased, and on the land being peat swamp by the sea that floods at high tide and is exposed to erosion. The landowner must first carry out istibdal by paying the current value assessed by the Valuation Department, with the money placed in the amwal badal fund of the Johor Islamic Religious Council. The relocation must follow conditions such as using experienced Muslim workers, informing heirs, obtaining authority approvals and having designated officials present, with all costs borne by the applicant.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.