Dealing with Death
When a death occurs, especially involving a family member, there are several important initial steps that need to be taken to manage the funeral and official matters. Guide: Initial Steps in the Event of Death in Malaysia 1. Confirm the Death Death in hospital/clinic A medical officer will issue a death confirmation letter. This document is required for burial arrangements and death registration at the National Registration Department (JPN). Death at home/outside hospital/clinic Call 999 to confirm the death (if necessary). Report to the police to obtain a burial permit. If the death is suspicious, the case will be referred to the police for investigation and may involve a post-mortem. 2. Manage the Funeral For Muslims – Contact the mosque funeral management team. For non-Muslims – Funeral arrangements will follow their respective religious rites.
Below are the types of funeral management assistance or khairat kematian provided by government agencies and several related institutions in Malaysia: Assistance of RM3000 and must be applied for within 12 months after death Eligibility: Retirees/civil servants only Assistance of RM3000 to pensioned and non-pensioned veterans' heirs Eligibility: Veterans/retired veterans only Payment: Maximum RM3000 Requirements: Special benefit for SOCSO contributors Given to next of kin or individual/body who pays for funeral costs Proof of expenses such as receipts are required if the applicant is not the legal heir Aid provided by the EPF to the next of kin of the member at the EPF's discretion. The EPF reserves the right to consider the final decision regarding Death Benefit. Payment: RM2500 once only Requirements: Member has EPF savings Member dies before 60 years of age Application within 6 months after death Exclusively for recipients of the Rahmah Cash Donation (STR Payment: RM1000 The ASNB death khairat is subject to the deceased’s unit holdings on the date of death: Below 1,000 units: RM200 Above 1,000 units: RM500 A one-off Funeral Benefit paid to eligible dependents if the insured housewife passes away before reaching the age of 55. Payment: RM 3000 In addition to the funeral management assistance listed above, there are also funeral benefits subject to the conditions and provisions provided by: Cooperatives / associations State zakat boards / centers Financial institutions
Registering a death is a process that must be carried out by the next-of-kin in order to obtain a death certificate . This certificate is an official document required for the management of the deceased’s estate and other matters related to the death. Registering a Death Certificate at JPN (National Registration Department) Required Documents: Original death confirmation document Original identity card (IC) of the deceased Original and copy of the identity card (IC) of the informant (next-of-kin)
Registration Type: Normal There are two common methods of death registration in the Peninsular: Through the hospital, PDRM or DBKL Through the next of kin Can be done at any Peninsular NRD branch. Fee: None Registration Type: Late Can be made at any Peninsular NRD branch. Requirements: 2 organizers either next of kin or people who know about the death If there is no next of kin, the police officer conducting the investigation Fee: RM50 Registration Type: Normal Can be done at any Sabah NRD branch. Fee: None Registration Type: Delayed Can be done at any Sabah NRD branch. Fee: RM5 Registration Type: Late Can be done at any Sabah NRD branch. Fee: RM10 Registration Type: Regular Can be done at any Sarawak NRD branch. Fee: None Registration Type: Delayed Can be done at any Sarawak NRD branch. Fee: RM5 Registration Type: Late Can be done at any Sarawak NRD branch. Fee: RM10 Registration Type: Overseas Can be done at any Peninsular NRD branch. Proof of death documents: Death certificate issued by the country where the death occurred Death confirmation letter from the hospital Death confirmation letter from the Malaysian Embassy Fee: None Registration Type: During Hajj Death during Hajj must be reported within: 40 days to the registrar in Hedjaz 6 months to the JPN headquarters Fee: None
A Presumption of Death Report is an official application made to the National Registration Department (JPN) to obtain a Certificate of Presumption of Death for an individual who: Has been missing or cannot be traced for more than 7 years, or Is believed to have died even though the body was not found. Procedures Before Registering a Presumption of Death with JPN Search / extract death certificate at JPN Obtain a Presumption of Death Order from the High Court if no death record exists Register the Presumption of Death at JPN using the court order Reference: Section 108, Evidence Act 1950 (Act 56) This application allows the next-of-kin to obtain official confirmation of death based on presumption for purposes such as: Estate administration Cancellation of official documents Insurance claims Other legal matters An application for a presumed death order can be made in person or through a law firm.
