The copy of a receipt for a Muslim burial ceremony in Sungai Bakap, Penang, costing a whopping RM4,375 had tongues wagging after making the rounds on the Internet.

 

But the Penang executive councillor for Islamic Affairs denied that only well-heeled Muslims can afford burial ceremonies in the state, explaining that the services offered varied from mosque to mosque.

Council chief Abdul Malik Kassim said he has studied the copy of the receipt.

Listed on the receipt were 21 services including telephone calls to invite guests to attend the funeral prayers which cost RM0.50 sen each, light refreshments, transportation and fees for prayers recited at the burial site, which cost RM1,900.

According to Abdul Malik, basic burial ceremonies for Muslims cost only about RM700.

"Muslim burial is the common responsibility of the community. Within 24 hours, a deceased Muslim must be buried.

"All mosques will carry out burial for free for their members, and for others too, including foreigners, should the need arise," he told Malaysiakini .

Abdul Malik said this is a non-profit undertaking and the family of the deceased normally gives a donation to the imam who conducts the burial rites.

"But this is voluntary and the amount is not fixed," he stressed.

As for the services listed on the aforementioned receipt, Malik said these were optional and commended the mosque for the breakdown in charges.

"In a way, this mosque has done well. The burial cost is open for all to see as there are many options for people to choose from.

"Not all mosques offer the same services. Different mosques have different styles and different services offered," he added.

Abdul Malik clarified that most families only choose basic burial needs like a wooden coffin (RM230), bath and white kaftan (shroud) for the body (RM165), cleaning services (RM50) and digging of the grave (RM140 for adults and RM70 for children).

He said many mosques have set-up a fund called 'Tabung Khairat Kematian'.

He explained that the money is contributed by members, who then take turns to use the fund for burial ceremonies.  

"Moreover, burial land for Muslims are free, so claims of it being expensive or that only rich Muslims can get a decent burial are not true," he added.