When a loved one passes away, one of the first important steps is to report the death to the relevant authorities. This process is necessary for legal documentation and to ensure that you can proceed with funeral arrangements and other formalities. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report a death in Malaysia.
Step 1: Confirm the Death
- In a hospital: If the death occurs in a hospital, the hospital staff will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This certificate will be signed by a doctor and will confirm the cause of death. The hospital will also assist with the initial steps for reporting the death.
- At home: If the death happens at home, you must call a doctor or an ambulance to confirm the death. If the doctor is unavailable, the police may need to be called, especially if the death is unexpected or suspicious. The doctor will issue the MCCD after examining the deceased.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before heading to the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara, JPN) to register the death, gather the following documents:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from the attending doctor or hospital.
- Identification document of the deceased (MyKad, passport, or other identification).
- Your identification document (for the person reporting the death, typically the next of kin or a designated representative).
Step 3: Register the Death at the JPN
- The death must be registered within 7 days of the passing.
- You can visit the nearest JPN office to report the death and submit the required documents. You will receive an official Death Certificate after the registration process is completed.
Step 4: Obtain the Death Certificate
- The Death Certificate is an official record of the deceased’s passing. It is required for various purposes, including handling the estate, insurance claims, and funeral arrangements.
- A Death Certificate can be obtained in person at the JPN office or, in some cases, online through the JPN portal.
Step 5: Additional Formalities (If Required)
- If the death was unnatural or the cause is unclear, the police may need to be involved. A post-mortem may be conducted, and a report will be required for the registration.
- If the deceased was a foreign national, you may also need to notify the respective embassy and complete additional paperwork for repatriation.
Step 6: Proceed with Funeral Arrangements
Once the death is reported and the Death Certificate is obtained, you can begin making funeral arrangements. This may include:
- Notifying family members, friends, and other institutions (such as the deceased’s employer, bank, and insurance providers).
- Contacting a funeral service provider to handle the burial or cremation, wake arrangements, and other services.
Key Notes:
- Timely Registration: It’s important to complete the death registration within 7 days of the passing. Failure to do so may result in fines or delays in handling legal and administrative matters.
- Non-natural Deaths: If the death is the result of an accident, suicide, or other non-natural causes, a police report and post-mortem may be necessary before registration.
Reporting a death in Malaysia may feel overwhelming, especially during a difficult time, but following these steps ensures that you handle the process correctly and efficiently. Funeral service providers like Nirvana can assist with the next steps, offering professional support and guidance to ensure a dignified farewell for your loved one.
Contact us today for funeral arrangements or a consultation.
