Phase 1
First 4 Hours
This is the most difficult period. The shock of losing a loved one is still fresh in the mind. The steps here will help guide the next of kin in what needs to be done.
Step 1 is when the death occurs. The next of kin will need to get the necessary government documents done.
Step 2 is select the funeral parlour if not already done so. Then contact the funeral parlour and inform them.
Step 3 is to collect the remains are cleared for release. The morgue is usually located on the hospital premises. Step 3 can be done by the funeral parlour but the next of kin needs to sign the release forms.
Step 4 is to finalize the details of the funeral with the funeral parlour.
Malaysia Funeral Process Flow Diagram
Below is the process flow diagram for funerals in Malaysia.
Step 1
Death Occurs
At the Hospital / Clinic
If a loved one passes away in a hospital or clinic, the Medical Officer to issue Register of Death (Daftar Kematian). The next of kin will need to prepare the funeral arrangements once that is done.
At this moment, it is the most difficult time for the next of kin. They will be going through a lot of emotions, grieve, anger, denial, fear, pain, loss, etc. This is the time when the next of kin are most vulnerable.
At Home
If a loved one passes away at home, the next of kin will have to get a medical offier to come to the home and make a police report or report to the local town council.
Either one of the parties can product the Register of Death. A Police Report will also be produced by the police.
Other Locations in the country
If a loved one passes away not at home or in the hospital or clinic, a police report needs to be made. Follow the instructions provided by the police.
The police can provide the Register of Death. A police report will also be provided. A post mortem may be required if the death is deemed to be suspicious.
Overseas
If the loved one passes away when traveling to another country, a medical report from the country’s hospital or clinic, and a police report will be required. The Malaysian embassy will need to be notified as the embassy will be required to issue a death confirmation letter.
After all the documents are completed, then the next of kin can start planning to return the remains back home for a proper funeral.
Step 2
Contact Funeral Parlour
Home / Hospital / Clinic / Morgue
The next of kin will need to search for a funeral parlour and appoint them, if the deceased does not already have one. The next of kin will need to contact the funeral parlour and give them the details, such as location, deceased’s relationship with them. The remaining details will need to be provided to the funeral parlour when they arrive.
At the time when the next of kin are going through so much pain, it is a difficult task. They need to keep their mind clear in order to deal with the funeral parlour. It is not easy. In fact it is very hard.
This is where having done the funeral arrangements earlier helps so much. If the deceased was very ill, then it is prudent to make the necessary arrangements quickly.
Funeral parlours like Nirvana offer discounts and easy payment plans when the need is not immediate. But when the need is immediate, these offers are not available.
Plan as soon as possible. It will help the family out financially. That is the most responsible way to safe guard the family’s financial well being.
We can help. We sell Nirvana products and services. Nirvana is one of the best funeral service providers, but there are other options too. We can help guide you in making the best decision based on your needs.
Step 3
Collect Remains
Morgue / Home
The Morgue will release remains of deceased after the paperwork has been completed. The Morgue will not store the remains under normal circumstances. This is when the Register of Death will be released to the next of kin.
If the deceased passed away at home, then the Register of Death will need to be obtained from the police station or the local town council. The family members should clean the deceased’s body before the funeral parlour collects the remains, although this is unnecessary. The funeral parlour will clean the deceased’s body. But, it is always better to have the deceased looking their best to protect their dignity.
Step 4
Make Funeral Arrangements
Morgue / Home
Funeral parlour will discuss with next of kin about the arrangements (location for wake, duration, Buddhist/Taoist/Christian/Hindu/Free Thinker rituals, costs, coffin, burial or cremation,etc.)
Once agreed, funeral parlour will collect the body and prepare the body (cleaning, embalming, makeup, dress up, etc.)
Nirvana usually holds the wake for 3 days and 2 nights. Other funeral parlours have options for shorter or longer wake durations.
.There are many options to choose from. This is confusing even at the best of times. To be forced to decide when grieving, that is dangerous from a financial stand point. The next of kin may end up paying for services which they might not need.
That is why we recommend that if possible, buy this service earlier. Do not wait for the last minute. Nirvana has made it very transparent by stating up front that by buying it early you will be entitled to discounts and easy payment plans.
If the need is immediate, all discounts and easy payment plans are not available. That easily adds another 20% in terms of costs.
A loved one’s passing has a huge emotional toll and is a financial burden. The emotional toll cannot be mitigated. Only time and prayers will heal that.
The financial burden is perhaps greater. The deceased would not want their loved ones to take on massive amounts of debt because of them. Planning ahead helps reduce the immediate cash needs. The family can then focus on paying off the deceased’s other financial debts such as home loans, car loans, credit cards and other personal debt.
We can help. Every little bit helps, especially in the time of need. The passing of a loved one IS the time when the need is the greatest.