Large crowds expected at columbaria, Choa Chu Kang Cemetery in March and April

SINGAPORE: Large crowds are expected at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, Mandai Columbarium and Yishun Columbarium during peak periods in March and April, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Tuesday (Feb 27).

Crowds are expected on 13 peak days, comprising Good Friday (Mar 29), the Qing Ming festival (Apr 4), Hari Raya Puasa (Apr 10), and 10 Saturdays and Sundays between Mar 16 and Apr 14.

"Members of public are encouraged to consider visiting these facilities outside of the peak days during which large crowds are expected," said NEA.

To better manage the crowds, NEA said that the columbaria will be open 24 hours from Mar 16 to Apr 14.

Only next-of-kin with bookings and inland ash scattering permits will be allowed entry to the Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery during the 13 peak days.

NEA said that this is to "accord privacy" to those who have applied for the ash scattering on those days.

The Garden of Peace will only be opened for visiting on weekdays between Mar 18 and Apr 12, the agency added.

Earlier this month, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng noted in parliament that demand for inland ash scattering has steadily increased since the first such facility, the Garden of Peace, was opened in 2021.

DRIVING AND PARKING

Just like in 2022, visitors who plan to drive and park in Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria must book an appointment online as part of measures to manage crowds and improve traffic flow.

For Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, e-bookings are required for visits on Good Friday, Qing Ming festival, Hari Raya Puasa, and the 10 Saturdays and Sundays between Mar 16 and Apr 14, between 6am and 4pm.

For Mandai Columbarium, this applies from Mar 16 to Apr 14, between 6am to 6pm.

Appointment slots in two-hour intervals will be available from 10am on Mar 4. 

Visitors are required to show proof of their successful bookings before they can park at the premises, said NEA. 

"All visitors are encouraged to take the shuttle bus, which will be available on the 13 peak days, or use public transport services," said NEA.

Even though essential works are ongoing, the public can continue to access all occupied niches in the Choa Chu Kang columbarium but the hoarded areas are out of bounds, said NEA.

The agency added that there are two new shuttle bus pick-up and drop-off points for easier access between Choa Chu Kang MRT and Choa Chu Kang Columbarium.

Visitors are also encouraged to check real-time traffic conditions at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria from Mar 16 to Apr 14 before visiting.