MARANG: The Terengganu Funeral Management Welfare Association (PJWT) has raised concerns about a disturbing trend: individuals seeking to purchase burial items for questionable purposes.
PJWT chairman Wan Rosli Wan Mamat said some people approach their centres, willing to pay exorbitant prices (RM500-RM600) for shrouding ties, gloves, camphor, soap, and other funeral supplies.
The Marang District Office Islamic Affairs assistant told Utusan Malaysia that these individuals often fabricate justifications for their requests, citing traditional medicine, charms, or even using them for fishing rituals.
"One person recently requested a shroud tie for his fishing rod, clearly a superstitious act," Wan Rosli, who also serves as an imam, said.
"As Muslims, we should rely solely on Allah SWT, not objects, to fulfill our desires."
Wan Rosli, with 25 years of experience, has encountered numerous such requests. He strictly refuses to entertain them, fearing misuse for spells or black magic. He emphasises that these practices violate Islamic teachings.
Meanwhile, PJWT founder Che Mohd Ibrahim Che Ghani said the association has managed about 2,300 burials since its inception four years ago. Their services include bathing and shrouding the deceased, along with hearse transportation.
PJWT operates on a donation basis. Those who can afford the services contribute as they wish, while the less fortunate (asnaf) receive them free of charge, except for the RM300 coffin cost.
The association has 20 members across Terengganu and collaborates with nationwide volunteers. They rely on public donations, including shrouding sets, to continue their services.
"Those willing to share their blessings and support PJWT can visit our funeral management centre in Kampung Rhu Muda," said Ibrahim.