In an Asian country like Malaysia, talking about death is always frowned upon since death has traditionally been a taboo topic for many, especially the older generation.
However, it’s always good to be prepared to deal with the death of a family member or relative since these circumstances can never be expected.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in the event of the death of a family member.
- Call an ambulance and the police to report the death. You shouldn’t touch the corpse so that nothing at the scene of the death is disturbed.
- Once the ambulance and the police arrive and the death has been recorded by the police, the body of the deceased will be taken to the nearest government hospital unless you ask for the body to be taken to a private hospital.
- After the body of the deceased has been examined at the hospital, the cause of death will be determined if there wasn’t a doctor at the scene of the death.
- You’ll then receive a blue copy of the death registration/burial permit JPN.LM02 (Amendment 1/11) from either the police or the medical staff.
- The body will be prepared and you can then submit a copy of JPN.LM02 (Amendment 1/11) to a cemetery caretaker for burial purposes.
- Finally, you’ll need to register at the nearest National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) to receive the death certificate, which will be issued within a week. Take note to bring the following documents:
- A copy of the blue death registration/burial permit JPN.LM02 (Amendment 1/11),
- The original identity card or identification document of the deceased, and
- Your original identity card or identification document.
If you hail from Sabah or Sarawak, the same procedure above applies but the documents that need to be submitted for a death certificate will be different.
In Sabah, take note to bring the following documents:
- Completed death registration form B and form N2,
- The original and a copy of the police report received after reporting the death,
- The original and a copy of the identity card or entry permit or passport of the deceased, and
- The original and a copy of your identity card or entry permit or passport.
In Sarawak, the following documents are required instead:
- Completed Form III and Form XI,
- Certification from the deceased’s community leader or village chief,
- The original and a copy of the police report received after reporting the death,
- The Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (Form VIII),
- The After Post-Mortem report (Form IX),
- The original and a copy of the identity card or entry permit or passport of the deceased, and
- The original and a copy of your identity card or entry permit or passport.
Once the death certificate has been received, you can move on to arranging a funeral that will best honour the deceased’s colourful and vibrant life.
Experiencing the death of a loved one is never easy, but we hope having access to all this information makes the process easier.
Also read: If A Family Member Passes Away, Here are 6 Places You Can Claim Money to Help You