PHOTO ESSAY | In 2016, the death of his beloved mother marked a turning point in the life of Muhammad Asrul Abdul Kadir, who had spent many years as part of the transgender community in the federal capital.

Upon returning to his hometown, Asrul consciously decided to rediscover his identity as a man.

“When I was 20 years old, I was influenced by friends to go and work in Kuala Lumpur where I could get a salary between RM400 and RM500 every day,” Asrul said.

Returning to village life, Asrul - affectionately known as Jun - admitted that the transition was not easy especially when he was faced with a community that considered him crazy.

However, to earn a halal livelihood, Asrul, 38, made a firm decision and set aside all the challenges that came his way.

Today, he leads a tranquil life selling tombstones.

Reflecting on his journey, Asrul shared that many of his friends had succumbed to various HIV-related illnesses during their time in the transgender community.

Tombstones that have been ordered are cleaned before being picked up by customers

At the same time, Asrul, the eldest of six siblings, said he has made preparations for his own death.

This is by having prepared his own coffin and tombstone.

Tombstone plinths being cleaned at Asrul’s shop in Alor Sempah, Kedah

“I have long prepared my own coffin and tombstone and my next of kin have been informed so they can be ready at any time,” he said.

Each pair of tombstones are sold for prices ranging from RM250 to RM2,000

He also expressed immense gratitude and said that he was fortunate to have returned to the right path.

Asrul’s appearance when he was known as Jun back in the day
Asrul and his assistant arrange tombstones and plinths to be taken to the cemetery
Asrul helping to change old tombstones
The cemetery in Alor Sempah
Asrul meeting with the deceased’s next of kin before changing the tombstones
Asrul cleaning the grave after changing the tombstones
Asrul’s coffin when his time comes.
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