NEA says to expect large crowds at government-managed cemetery and columbaria on 13 peak days in next 2 months
The agency recommends off-peak visits and e-appointments amid anticipated high turnout during upcoming festivals and weekends
SINGAPORE — Visitors planning to go to Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and the Choa Chu Kang, Mandai, and Yishun Columbaria in the next couple of months should expect large crowds on 13 peak days.
These peak days include Good Friday (29 March), Qing Ming (4 April), Hari Raya Puasa (10 April), and the 10 Saturdays and Sundays between 16 March and 14 April.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) advised the public in a statement on Tuesday (27 February) to consider visiting these government-managed facilities on days other than the peak ones. Additionally, to better manage the crowd, the columbaria will be opened 24 hours during the peak period from 16 March to 14 Apil
Furthermore, only next-of-kin with bookings and inland ash scattering permits will be allowed into the Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex. This measure aims to provide privacy to those who have applied for ash scattering in the Garden of Peace, which will be open for public visiting only on weekdays between 18 March and 12 April.
Travel options and e-appointments for visitors
For those intending to drive to Choa Chu Kang and Mandai Columbaria, booking an e-appointment is mandatory on specific dates and times. These e-appointment slots are available in two-hour intervals, and booking starts on Monday (4 March) from 10am. Proof of booking is required to park at these columbaria during the designated times.
NEA recommends all visitors to utilise the shuttle bus service, available on the 13 peak days, or use public transport services. New shuttle bus pick-up and drop-off points, such as the Choa Chu Kang MRT Station, have been established to ease travel to the Choa Chu Kang Columbarium.
While essential works continue at Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, all occupied niches remain accessible to visitors. However, it's advised to steer clear of marked hoarded areas.
NEA advised visitors not to offer "red packets" to staff at these premises.
For updates on the ongoing works and affected areas and real-time traffic information at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai Columbaria from 16 March to 14 April, visit www.nea.gov.sg/qingming2024.
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