An obituary is one of the first things many families think about after a loss — and one of the things they feel least prepared for. You're grieving, you're busy, and suddenly you need to put a person's entire life into a few hundred words.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to write, where to publish it and how to get it done without it feeling like an impossible task.
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a formal written notice of someone's death. It's not the same as a eulogy — a eulogy is a speech delivered at the funeral, personal and emotional. An obituary is a public announcement, typically published in a newspaper or online, that informs the wider community of the passing and provides key details about the person and the funeral arrangements.
Think of it as a brief, dignified introduction to someone's life for people who may not have known them personally.
Where to publish an obituary in Malaysia
Newspapers
The major English-language newspapers in Malaysia — The Star, New Straits Times and Malay Mail — all accept obituary submissions. Vernacular newspapers including Sin Chew Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau and Tamil Nesan are widely used by their respective communities. Most have a classified or notices section specifically for this purpose.
Online portals
Several Malaysian websites accept obituary postings, making it easier for family and friends across the country to be informed quickly. Some funeral service providers also offer this as part of their package.
Your funeral home
Many funeral homes in Malaysia will help coordinate the publication of an obituary as part of their service. It's worth asking when you engage them.
What to include
A standard obituary typically covers:
The basics:
Their life:
Funeral arrangements:
A closing:
What to leave out
An obituary is a public document. This is not the place for:
When in doubt, keep it dignified and focus on what you want the world to remember.
Tone and length
The tone should be warm and respectful. Not overly formal, but not casual either. Write it the way you would want someone to remember this person — with dignity and genuine affection.
Length varies depending on where you're publishing. For print newspapers, shorter is better — most charge by the word or line, and 150 to 250 words is standard. For online portals where space is less of a constraint, you can go up to 400 words if the person's life warrants it.
A simple template
[Full name], [age], passed away peacefully on [date] in [location].
Born in [birthplace] on [date of birth], [name] spent [his/her/their] life [brief overview — career, community, faith, family].
[He/She/They] is survived by [list of immediate family — spouse, children, siblings, parents].
[One or two sentences capturing who they were as a person — their character, what they loved, what they stood for.]
The funeral will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. [Any specific instructions for attendees.]
[He/She/They] will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing [him/her/them].
A note on social media announcements
Many families today post a death announcement on social media alongside or instead of a formal obituary. These are different things — a social media post is more personal, more immediate and written for people who already knew the deceased.
A few things that work well for a social media announcement:
Keep it personal. This is not the place for formal language. Write it the way you would tell a close friend.
Include a photo. A favourite photo of the person — smiling, in a moment that captures them — does more than any words can.
Keep it brief. A short, heartfelt announcement lands better than a long one. People will reach out for more information.
You don't have to announce it at all. If the family prefers privacy, a social media announcement is entirely optional. There is no obligation to share publicly.
When you can't find the words
Writing about someone you love while you're still in shock is one of the hardest things to do. If you're struggling to get started, Allay's tools can help you draft something personal and fitting — giving you a foundation to work from rather than a blank page.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does an obituary need to be published?
As soon as practically possible, ideally within a day or two of the passing so that people have time to attend the funeral. Most newspapers can publish within 24 to 48 hours if submitted promptly.
How much does it cost to publish an obituary in a Malaysian newspaper?
Costs vary by publication and length. Most newspapers charge by the word or line for classified notices. Contact the newspaper directly for their current rates.
Does an obituary have to mention the cause of death?
No. This is entirely the family's decision. Many obituaries simply say "passed away peacefully" or "passed away suddenly" without specifying further.
Can I write an obituary for someone who had no immediate family?
Yes. A close friend, a colleague or anyone who knew the person well can write and publish an obituary. The relationship to the deceased can be noted at the end.
What if I make a mistake after it's been published?
Contact the publication directly. Most will accommodate a correction, though there may be an additional charge for print publications.
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