My view...

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Muslim burial - Klang Valley

This is based on recent experience. Perhaps it would help guide those who may face similar situation. What to do and how to go about carrying out the final rights of a Muslim in the Klang Valley.

It would be easier if the passing happens in a hospital rather than in a private residence. This is because the hospital will provide all the documentation. The most important of which is the burial permit. The permit is not the death certificate, however, it would be prudent to make copies to be distributed to those attending the funeral as proof that they are in fact attending a funeral and not watching a movie or loitering in a mall.

With this permit you will then need to look for a site where the remains is to be buried. For Kelana Jaya, there were a few choices. It is best to go and talk to your local Imam informing him of the event and at the same time seeking his advice on how best to proceed. Go to the cemetery - whose office normally opens at 8am - and see if you can get a plot there. Fill up the forms and attach the permit. The cemetery will then prepare the necessary. For Bukit Kiara, it costs RM290. If you do not get a plot at the first cemetery, proceed to the next and the next until you get one.

If the remains comes from the hospital, you will need to decide whether to bring it back to the house or direct to the mosque for the final rites. This will depend on the timing of prayers, visitors and readiness of the graveyard. The mosque in Kelana Jaya has a standard charge of RM250 for use of their van to transport the remains.

Finally, it would be prudent for the next of kin to arrive first at the cemetery, especially males to carry out the final physical and spiritual rites of passage.

Once this is completed, the real hassle began. Start by going to the JPN to obtain the death certificate....

Jeruk Penang

Pickled fruits. Colourful and enticing. Word of caution though - if you are planning to give this to kids make sure you soak it in clean cool water first. This will reduce the acidity and whatever else they put in to make it look vibrant and crunchy.

Keropok Mersing

An excellent place to shop, not so much for the product but for the way the proprietor treats you. One of the best saleswoman I have encountered in a long time. Totally unlike those selling thousand dollar watches.

Do stop by if you are in the area.

Wakaf Che Yeh

Photos by Syam

White House Coffee

Almost midnight, Jalan Sultanah Zainab, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.The place is packed with queues becoming a necessity. Amazing, enjoying breakfast food for supper. Supplemented with nasi lemak, nasi berlauk or nasi dagang.

Superb - forget about not eating before bed - highly recommended. The best coffee I've had in a long time. At the last visit I had two iced coffee which is way out of the norm for me as I usually had only one sugared drink supplemented by warm water. The coffee is that good.