Here is a news article about a Buddhist Society in Skudai with the noble intention of giving a decent burial to those who are unable to afford one.
A cheap pine coffin
GIVING THE NEEDY A DECENT BURIAL
By YEE XIANG YUN
xiangyun@thestar.com.my
JOHOR BARU: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) that feels that the less fortunate also deserve a decent burial when they are gone is urging them to sign up for its free coffins.
The Buddhist Society in Taman Nusa Bestari, Skudai, hopes to target abandoned children, old folks or the homeless for its coffin contribution programme.
Programme manager Cheng Din Yau said while most NGOs helped the poor while they were alive, their society wanted to provide a proper funeral for them when they die.
“Our aim is to help those who die and have no one to claim their bodies or bury them,” he said.
Cheng said those interested in the programme could sign up and they would be entitled to a free coffin when they die.
He said the programme, the first of its kind in Johor, was practised elsewhere in the world, especially in Thailand.
Cheng added that coffins were often overlooked here but there was a demand for them in cases such as freak accidents or death of old folks and orphans.
“The coffin will be a simple one, made of wood, with handles and costs a couple of hundred ringgit,” he said.
“Once the registered person passes away, our society will be alerted by the hospital or welfare home and we will claim the body for burial,” he said, adding that people from all races and religion were eligible to sign up for the programme.
He added that the society would work with Hospital Sultanah Aminah, as well as approach old folks’ homes and orphanages, to offer the service.
“Those from low-income families or earning below RM800 a month can also apply for the free coffins programme, which will start next month,” he said.
Cheng explained that the programme was founded by the society’s master Yap Han Tian and was funded solely by its members.
“There are about 10 members coordinating the programme and we do not ask for donations from the public because we have enough for the project,” he said.
He said those interested could register with the society at Azamking Buddhist Society, No. 53G, Jalan Bestari 5/5, Taman Nusa Bestari, Skudai, Johor or contact him at 017-8727 993/ 07-5127993.
By YEE XIANG YUN
xiangyun@thestar.com.my
JOHOR BARU: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) that feels that the less fortunate also deserve a decent burial when they are gone is urging them to sign up for its free coffins.
The Buddhist Society in Taman Nusa Bestari, Skudai, hopes to target abandoned children, old folks or the homeless for its coffin contribution programme.
Programme manager Cheng Din Yau said while most NGOs helped the poor while they were alive, their society wanted to provide a proper funeral for them when they die.
“Our aim is to help those who die and have no one to claim their bodies or bury them,” he said.
Cheng said those interested in the programme could sign up and they would be entitled to a free coffin when they die.
He said the programme, the first of its kind in Johor, was practised elsewhere in the world, especially in Thailand.
Cheng added that coffins were often overlooked here but there was a demand for them in cases such as freak accidents or death of old folks and orphans.
“The coffin will be a simple one, made of wood, with handles and costs a couple of hundred ringgit,” he said.
“Once the registered person passes away, our society will be alerted by the hospital or welfare home and we will claim the body for burial,” he said, adding that people from all races and religion were eligible to sign up for the programme.
He added that the society would work with Hospital Sultanah Aminah, as well as approach old folks’ homes and orphanages, to offer the service.
“Those from low-income families or earning below RM800 a month can also apply for the free coffins programme, which will start next month,” he said.
Cheng explained that the programme was founded by the society’s master Yap Han Tian and was funded solely by its members.
“There are about 10 members coordinating the programme and we do not ask for donations from the public because we have enough for the project,” he said.
He said those interested could register with the society at Azamking Buddhist Society, No. 53G, Jalan Bestari 5/5, Taman Nusa Bestari, Skudai, Johor or contact him at 017-8727 993/ 07-5127993.
Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/11/15/nation/12315135&sec=nation
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