Teoh's body cremated according to Taoist rites

GEORGE TOWN: The body of alleged convert Teoh Cheng Cheng was cremated at the Batu Gantong crematorium according to Taoist rites.  

Teoh's mother Tan Mah Suan, 64, her boyfriend, children and other family members were present at the funeral.

A court order for the body to be released had been issued earlier by the Syariah High Court on Thursday after it was ruled that Teoh was not a Muslim at the time of her death.

On Monday, Teoh’s funeral was interrupted when Penang Islamic Religious Department (Jaipp) officers appeared at an apartment in Macallum Street to “claim” the remains of the deceased. 

Lawyer Wan Faridulhadi Mohd Yusoff, who is representing Teoh's family, said the Penang Islamic Council (Maipp) would not be appealing against the Syariah High Court's decision.

Earlier, Teoh’s body was claimed at 5pm at the Penang Hospital mortuary.

Lawyers Ramkarpal Singh and S. Raveentharan as well as Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai accompanied several of Teoh’s family members to claim her body.

At the Penang Hospital mortuary, Teoh's brother Teoh Beng Chong, 46, expressed hope that his sister would be able to rest in peace.

Teoh's cousin Teoh Choo Cheow said he was relieved over the court's decision but disappointed and sad about the incident. 

Teoh, a 38-year-old mother of four, died at her apartment in Macallum Street on Saturday.

The deceased is alleged to have converted to Islam 17 years ago, having adopted the Muslim name Nora Teoh Abdullah.

Related story:

Syariah Court rules Teoh not Muslim at time of death