Man Transports Deceased Chinese Back To Hometown In Muslim Funeral Van

Malay man transports deceased Chinese man in Muslim hearse

Multiracial Malaysia is home to a variety of cultures, customs, superstitions, and beliefs – and multiracial harmony is highly valued by us Malaysians.

Though we live in harmony, serious matters such as funerals, religious festivities, and weddings are usually held in accordance to each race and religion’s traditions. However, a Malay man in Perak decided that compassion is more important than superstition during a time of need so he offered to transport a deceased Chinese back to his hometown for a nominal fee.

Man steps in to help when deceased man’s father couldn’t afford to pay transportation fee

Kuan Chee Heng, otherwise known as Uncle Kentang, is no stranger in playing the Good Samaritan role. He regularly helps those in need and this time, he shared a story of a 32-year-old Chinese man who passed away in Teluk Anson, Perak.

Two days ago on 11th January, Uncle Kentang wrote on his Facebook profile detailing the heart-warming story. He said that the deceased’s hometown was in Melaka and it would have cost a minimum of RM1,600 to transport his body back home.

The family then contacted a young Malay man who quoted RM550 for the same service. The Malay man then asked Uncle Kentang if it was all right for him to transport the deceased man’s body using a Muslim funeral van.

deceased Chinese in a Muslim funeral van
Image credit: Kuan Chee Heng

The young man proceeded to drive the body from Perak to Puchong – which was where Uncle Kentang was waiting to take over – and bring the deceased man home to Melaka where his family was.

deceased's body wrapped in the muslim funeral van
Image adapted from: Kuan Chee Heng

According to a report in China Press, one of the deceased man’s family members paid a deposit of RM200 upfront, and was going to pay the balance of RM350 when the task was completed. But Uncle Kentang settled the bill for them.

Uncle Kentang also offered to donate RM3,000 to the family, which they initially rejected, but later accepted as bereavement money.

Netizens touched by the gesture, cite true Malaysian spirit

The post, which has been circulating wildly on Facebook with more than 14,000 reactions, 1,600 comments, and 1,200 shares at the time of writing, has garnered tonnes of positive comments.

Netizens were incredibly touched by the young man’s act of kindness, and praised his true Malaysian spirit in helping a stranger with such a sensitive matter irrespective of religious differences.

Facebook user Eriy Ranjer expressed in Malay, “This is Malaysia. We’re a multiracial society that helps each other out, regardless of the distinctions. It has been our practice for a long time.”

eriy ranjer comment
Image credit: Eriy Ranjer

Pakwancik Kassim also echoed a similar sentiment. His comment translated from Malay reads, “It’s good to help out whenever you can, with a sincere heart and for humanity. After all, the act of humanity doesn’t distinguish the differences between races and descents.”

pakwancik kassim facebook comment
Image credit: Pakwancik Kassim

Meanwhile, netizen John Fabian joined the list of hundreds of commenters who applauded the young Malay man. Fabian wrote, “Well done, bro. This is what you call a true Malaysian.”

john fabian comment
Image credit: John Fabian

Malay man man offers to transport deceased Chinese man to hometown for free

There are many heart-warming instances of Malaysians going the distance to help a stranger out, like that time when Uncle Kentang himself picked up a Sarawakian man who tried walking 80km to the airport and gave him RM200 for extra expenses. During tough times like this, small acts of kindness can do wonders to lift the community’s spirits, so we say, well done, Malaysians.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article said that the transportation of the deceased man’s body was done for free, but a family member has clarified with China Press that they did pay the RM200 deposit to the Malay man, but the latter offered to refund it.