Government Re-Burial of Bodies

Government re-burial of bodies

With aims to improve the traditional soil burial system, NEA introduced the New Burial System (NBS) in 2007.
Designed to sustain cemetery landuse, the NBS allows Singapore to address its burial needs for the next 100 years.
Endorsed by various religious bodies in Singapore, the system accommodates the needs of our local communities, respects religious beliefs and continues traditions. Preserving the dignity of burial, the system allows next-of-kin better access during and after burial, prevents graves from shifting due to soil erosion or bad weather and provides a neater burial and cemetery appearance for many years to come.
More information and a video is also available at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Office, 910 Choa Chu Kang Road S699819.
Background Information:
- The Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is the only cemetery in Singapore available for burials.
- In 1998, the Government announced the New Burial Policy to limit the burial period to 15 years.
- Henceforth, graves after 15 years will be exhumed. The exhumed remains may be cremated and put into a columbarium or be re-buried, according to one’s religious requirements.
- The New Burial Policy, together with the NBS will allow the cemetery land to last beyond 2130.
Instead of traditional earth burial plots, a burial plot in the NBS takes on the form of a concrete crypt without a base. The new crypt graves aim to save space and make the cemetery more accessible.
This new system will give the cemetery a neater and more pleasant appearance for many years to come.

http://www.nea.gov.sg/passesaway/newinfo.htm

Questions to consider

1.  How might people feel about their loved ones being dug up after 15 years?

2.  How else could Singapore have dealt with the issue of not having enough land to bury people in?

3.  Is digging people up after 15 years really the best way to deal with this problem?

4.  What issues could there be with the different religions in Singapore?