How to Get a Death Certificate in Malaysia

The death certificate is the single most important document you will need after a loss. Almost everything that follows — claiming insurance, withdrawing KWSP, closing bank accounts, transferring property — requires it. Getting it right, and getting enough copies, will save you significant time and frustration later.

Here is exactly how to do it.

Step 1 — Get the burial permit first

Before you can register the death at JPN, you need a burial permit (Form JPN.LM02). This is a multi-colour form and where you get it depends on where your loved one passed away.

If they passed away in a hospital or clinic

The hospital will handle this for you. A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and the hospital staff will prepare the burial permit. They will also guide you on the next steps.

If they passed away at home

Call 999. Do not move the body. The authorities need to verify the cause of death first. Once they do, the police will issue the burial permit. If the death was sudden, suspicious or accidental, a post-mortem may be required before the permit is issued.

Step 2 — Gather your documents

Once you have the burial permit, collect the following before heading to JPN:

One important note: JPN will destroy the deceased's MyKad when you submit it. Take a photo of it before you go — you may need the details later.

Step 3 — Visit the nearest JPN office

Head to any JPN office and look for Bahagian Kelahiran dan Kematian (Births and Deaths Division). Submit all your documents at the counter. The death certificate is typically issued on the same day for straightforward cases.

There is no fee for registering the death or obtaining the death certificate.

Do this within 7 days

Death registration must be done within 7 days of the passing. If you miss this window, a late registration fee of RM50 applies.

How many copies should you request?

Request as many original copies as you can at the point of registration — at least 5 to 10. Each institution you deal with will ask for their own copy and most will not return it. Banks, KWSP, SOCSO, insurance companies, the Land Office and the courts will each need one.

If you need more copies later, certified true copies (CTCs) can be obtained through a lawyer or Commissioner of Oaths. Note that JPN does not issue CTCs directly — they issue the original certificate at the point of registration.

If your loved one passed away overseas

If the death occurred outside Malaysia, register it first with the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in that country. Once you return to Malaysia, bring the consular documents to JPN to complete the registration locally.

If you are in Sabah or Sarawak

The process in East Malaysia differs from Peninsular Malaysia and has stricter timelines.

Sabah — deaths must be registered within 24 hours at the state JPN office using Form B/N2.

Sarawak — deaths must be registered within 24 hours at the state JPN office using Form III/XI. An additional certificate from the local community leader is also required for home deaths.

If you are in Sabah or Sarawak, contact JPN Sabah or JPN Sarawak directly for the most current guidance on their specific requirements.

What the death certificate is used for

Once you have the death certificate, you will need it for almost every step that follows:

Keep the originals safe and make a note of where you store them. You will be reaching for them repeatedly over the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions