PETALING JAYA: Rising costs and limited options are driving more Malaysians to plan their final arrangements carefully, such as securing affordable burial plots or columbarium niches in advance, say industry players.

They said this allows individuals to plan the payment of their final arrangements, providing peace of mind as well as financial security for themselves and their loved ones.

Malaysia Funeral Public Association secretary-general Nick Chow said rising costs have made pre-planning a more practical and accepted practice.

“The price surge is not isolated to a single aspect, but a domino effect touching every part of the industry,” he said in an interview.

For example, he said coffins for burial have seen a 50% to 250% increase in the past 10 years, while cremation coffins have risen by 30% to 150%.

“Many essential funeral items have also gone up by 20% to 250%,” said Chow, who estimated a standard cremation funeral package costs between RM10,000 and RM30,000, with a burial package ranging from RM20,000 to RM50,000.

“The cost of a basic burial plot can range from RM40,000 to RM80,000 alone, before adding the funeral package.”

The director of Wan World Funeral Services said pre-owning packages for burial plots and columbarium niches are gaining popularity as people seek to secure affordable final resting places.

“This trend is gaining traction due to the rising cost of living and materials.

“Being prepared allows them to not be burdened by the financial strain of final arrangements and ensures that one’s wishes are heeded, rather than leaving that responsibility to grieving family members,” he said.

As the population ages and costs continue to rise, Chow says he expects the demand for these services to grow.

“Securing a final resting place in advance allows individuals to lock in current pricing and avoid future increases, providing peace of mind,” he said, adding that various reasons were behind the general price increase for funeral services, regardless of religious beliefs.

He noted that the recent diesel subsidy rationalisation has also led to higher transportation costs, creating a knock-on effect that has impacted the entire supply chain and raised prices across the board.

However, Chow said that the poor and underprivileged can always reach out to the association for assistance as it has been offering coffin donations and funeral services for the needy.

Perak-based Fook Loke Sau Casket Centre director Thung Siew Ching also cited increased costs in all essential funeral services, such as transportation, funeral staff, funeral parlour rental, cremation and burial sites.

“Other essential funeral items such as flowers, decorations, paper paraphernalia, burial clothes, incense and candles have also increased in price by 10% to 20%.

“This includes the coffin, which is the most important for any funeral, where prices have also gone up by at least 20%,” she said.

To alleviate families’ burdens and concerns, Thung said her company remains committed to support those facing financial constraints – to ensure that everyone has access to dignified final arrangements.

“We understand (times are) hard (so) we don’t simply raise prices.

“Also, any fixed-price package may not address what the family needs or match what they want.

“It’s important to provide affordable options and customised services to meet the diverse needs of the community,” she said.

Thung said the most basic cremation coffin that costs several hundred ringgit is still available, and is suitable for charity or those who need fast cremation.

“A funeral may cost from as low as RM3,000 to more than RM200,000.

“It only makes sense when providers respond by offering more flexible options and customisable packages – to cater to the diverse needs of consumers seeking to secure their final resting places in a cost-effective and meaningful way,” she said.

A casket and funeral service provider in Melaka who only wanted to be known as Heng said personalised packages with flexible payment plans will become increasingly popular in addressing evolving needs.

“People are more accepting of the notion of planning their final arrangements.

“This shift in mindset reflects a growing desire for control, financial security and the ability to alleviate the burden on loved ones during a difficult time,” he said.

Heng added that those who plan ahead were able to pay for their burial plot by installments, locking in the current price and lessening unexpected costs for their family.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/08/making-early-final-arrangements