Funeral Procedure Checklist

Step 1

Call the Trusted bereavement service provider.

Once you have selected the bereavement service provider, inform your service advisor to give them ample notice. Give the bereavement service provider a call and let them know what to expect.

​

Some information that would be helpful for example

* The location of your loved one

* Health condition and current situation.

* Any health complication to be aware of (e.g. Covid, Tuberculosis or any infectious diseases that requires special handling)

* Religious beliefs and any specific requirements.  Remember to be clear on all special requirements for ease of planning.

​

As a Nirvana Service Advisor, we support families throughout the bereavement process it is privileged to work with families as they mourn the loss of a loved one. Please reach out if you need clarification on the process.

​​

Step 2

Certifying the death

When a loved one passed away at home, the death needs to be certified by a medical professional, we would advise you to call the local ambulance by dialling 999. The emergency hotline will get some clarification and arrange the necessary ambulatory assistance. ​If your loved one passed away at a medical facility (medical centre or hospital), the attending doctor will do the necessary reporting.

 

​NOTE: Make duplicate copies of the deceased's identification Card (IC) and medical reports for your safe keeping. The original IC should be kept properly for the next steps

 

Step 3

Reporting Death at the Police Station

For death that happened at home, the next step is to report the death at the police station, The death certification provided by the medical professional or paramedics (from the ambulance service) is required for this. Bring along other additional documents such as medical reports or letter from the doctor (certifying the medical condition of the deceased). The police will issue a burial permit and give it to you. The burial permit is required by the bereavement service provider to transport the deceased to their facility.

​

This step can be disregarded if death occurs at a medical facility. The medical facility will issue the burial permit upon full settlement of bills. Coordinate with medical facility staff to obtain all required documents before transporting the deceased.

 

Step 4

Transporting the deceased

The bereavement service provider will arrange for the transportation of the deceased to the funeral wake location of choice/ availability. They will liaise with you on the location and time.

​

There are a few scenarios:

​* Funeral wake at home (landed property)

- Remains at medical facility: The deceased will be transported to the home

- Remains at home: No transportation is required.

​

​* Funeral wake at the funeral parlour

- Remains at medical facility: The deceased will be transported to the funeral parlour

- Remains at home: The deceased will be transported to the funeral parlour.

 

Step 5

Making funeral arrangements

Losing a loved one is not something anyone wants to go through or prepared for. Your bereavement provider will support you and provide you with the necessary advisory throughout the process.

​

​At Nirvana, the bereaved family will go through a discussion with the service consultant (Funeral Director). The Service Consultant will provide you with advice on Funeral rights and traditions according to your religion. Let them know if you have any special requirements. He / She will be able to answer all your questions and queries in regard to the funeral service. If you are not clear on any steps, be sure to voice it out and let them know so that they can guide you through. 

​

​The discussion with the service consultant will cover:

•⁠  ⁠Funeral wake start date & time
•⁠  ⁠Date confirmation for cremation / burial.
•⁠  ⁠⁠Funeral wake location, if not at home (precise room will be provided for you to notify you and friends)
•⁠  ⁠⁠Elaborate on the funeral service package - coffin, urn, etc. (options to upgrade, if any)
•⁠  ⁠⁠what to expect and what is needed during the funeral wake
•⁠  ⁠⁠Cremation or burial - location, arrangements require
•⁠  ⁠⁠Addressing special request
•⁠  ⁠⁠Food and beverages -  catering for funeral wake visitor, if needed

​

This discussion will allow Nirvana service team to plan and execute accordingly. You and your family can set your mind at ease, knowing that all the necessary arrangements are in place

 

Step 6

Notify family and friends. The death announcement and obituary.​

It may be a challenge to inform everyone about the passing of your loved one. This is going to be harder if you have large extended family and friends. Here are some tips to help you:

​•⁠ ⁠List down extended family members. These include aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. inform them via phone/ messages.
•⁠ ⁠⁠ Check through deceased’s phone for close friends contact and reach out.
•⁠ ⁠⁠ Check through the deceased address book for any other contacts, and reach out.
•⁠ ⁠⁠ Use social media, if you deem fit. May not for everyone, so decide accordingly. 
•⁠ ⁠⁠ Use an obituary - contact the local newspapers on how to place one (this is optional)

​

​In your notification, remember to include location of Funeral wake, timing and the date of cremation/ burial. The advantage notification will help in their planning. This is also helpful for those who would like to send flowers to the wake.

​

​For Nirvana, upon confirmation of all the funeral details, a notice (in the form of an image) with all the funeral details will be prepared for family members to be shared with their family and friends. This will be useful for family, friends and relatives who would want to come and pay their last respects and or send condolence flowers. 

​

Inform your workplace/ office. You may be entitled to compassionate leave. Provide a photocopy of the burial permit which should include the details. Once you have the official death certificate, you can provide a copy to the HR department for processing.

​

​An obituary is an option but not necessary. Depending on your families’ wishes, you can place an obituary in the local newspapers. Remember to bring a photograph of the deceased loved ones. You will also need to decide what information goes into the obituary. The local newspapers have templates and advice for the placement of obituary.

 

Step 7

Wake Ceremony and Funeral Day
At the Funeral wake, family members should always be present to receive visitors and warmth regards. 

​

​* Pak Kam tradition (Condolences Tribute)

A typical Chinese Funeral (irrespective of religion) will include giving “Pak Kam” our condolences money or bereavement money. This tradition has been ongoing and it’s a common practice for family friends and business associates and acquaintances to give cash to bereaved families. “Pak Kam” is supposed to help with the funeral expenses. In Nirvana, you will be provided with a book to record down “Pak Kam”, while angpao for visitor to use, and a small locked safe box for this purpose. Do note that “Pak Kam” donation is not compulsory as the most important thing in wake is to show your respect and concern.

​

​* Attire 

Preferably, family members should wear neutral or some sombre colours for the occasion. Blue, black, white and neutral colours are perfect as a respect for the deceased. However, they are no heart rules on this so there may be exception depending on the deceased family’s preferences. As a rule of thumb, it is common for Buddhist believers to wear black pants and white shirt. Other religious or traditions may have different attire preferences. A boy cheerful and bright colours irrespective of religion and tradition.

​

* Flowers and wreaths

Your family and friends were sending Funeral flowers, let them know the exact location of the funeral wake. For a suggestion of flowers, these are common flowers sent for Funeral wake. Family member members (include close families) are encouraged to buy flowers to adorn the funeral wake. Flowers add a soft and calming effect to the occasion, and it’s also one of the best bereavement gifts for the family. We suggest purchasing from SG Florist as they are expert in funeral flowers and can accommodate your request. They are conveniently located in Nirvana Kuala Lumpur. (NCKL or Nirvana 2) and Nirvana Sungai Besi. Condolences flowers can be purchased from their 24 x 7 online store here. Here is a list of condolences message ideas for your floral gifts.

 

Step 8

Registering death at national registration department.​

I singled out this part as a separate step, but this is to be done alongside Step 5. Prior to meeting with the Service Consultant, prepare the deceased IC and all other relevant documents. 

​

Nirvana service team will assist in registering the deaf at the national registration department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) after the funeral ceremony is over. 

​

Once the death is registered, an official death certificate will be issued and passed to you. Remember to make copies of the debt certificate and safe keep the original

 

Step 9

Mourning rites / Memorial Day observance​

After the funeral, there may be specific mourning rites to be observed such as first 7th day, the 49th day, the 100th day, and so on. This is relevant for those with Buddhism / Taoist faith. Some may have their own funeral rites planned while others maybe opt for a single observance at the burial site / columbarium. Whichever you choose, this form parts of the mourning process that your family has to go through. If you are unsure, you can always check with the Planner director who would be able to provide you with guidance.