Ghost Marriage Held for Young Couple Killed in Tragic Tangkak Road Accident

A Tragic Love Story Ends Too Soon

A heartbreaking accident in Tangkak, Johor, has led to a rare and emotional ceremony known as a ghost marriage. The ritual, rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, will be performed for Chang Ji Shiang, aged 20, and his girlfriend Pang Chong Chong, aged 18. The young couple tragically lost their lives in a road crash on 24 October while riding a motorcycle along the Muar–Segamat road near Bandar Baru Sagil.

The couple had been together for three years and were inseparable. On that night, they were travelling on Chang’s newly purchased Yamaha Y15ZR when their motorcycle collided with another vehicle. Both died instantly, leaving their families devastated.

Honouring Love Beyond Life

The families of Chang and Pang decided to hold a ghost marriage — known in Chinese culture as Minghun — to unite them spiritually as husband and wife. Their coffins were placed side by side at Chang’s family home in Tangkak, beneath a single framed portrait showing them smiling together.

Funeral service providers confirmed that religious rites were carried out at noon. The ghost marriage ceremony was held in the evening. The ritual included offerings, red decorations, and symbolic wedding items placed near their coffins, signifying eternal companionship.

A Rare Tradition in Modern Times

Ghost marriages have been part of Chinese culture for more than 3,000 years, though the practice is now rarely seen in Malaysia. In ancient times, the ritual was arranged for unmarried individuals who died young, ensuring they would not be lonely in the afterlife.

In modern times, however, the ceremony has become more of an emotional farewell — a way for loved ones to express affection and provide closure.

Families and Friends in Mourning

The accident involved four vehicles — three motorcycles and a Perodua Myvi — claiming four lives in total. The other two victims were Muhammad Darwish Kamarul Hafiz, 19, and Muhammad Alauddin Shah Zulkarnain, 20, both close friends returning home after work. Their sudden deaths have left several families grieving deeply.

At the Tangkak Hospital forensics department, Chang’s mother, who identified herself only as Chan, could barely speak through her tears. “My only child is gone. I have no one left,” she said softly.

Love That Transcends Life and Death

While ghost marriages are seldom practised today, this ceremony in Tangkak reminded many of the depth of human emotion and the enduring bond between two young hearts. The quiet ritual brought together relatives, neighbours, and friends — all gathered to witness a love story completed in another realm.

As the sun set over Tangkak, the shared portrait of Chang and Pang glowed gently in the candlelight — two souls, bound not just by fate, but by everlasting love.

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