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SINGAPORE: An area along Changi Beach will be designated for post-death rites, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Wednesday, adding that this nullifies a previously proposed site in Tanah Merah.
The agency said it has been working with relevant authorities to identify a suitable coastal site on the Singapore mainland for post-death rites such as prayers and rituals, followed by the throwing of offerings into the sea.
“The provision of such a facility, which will be properly demarcated and closed, responds to public comment to preserve the dignity and decorum of post-death procedures and to ensure adequate provision of post-death facilities to meet the needs of the various communities in Singapore, “said NEA.
The proposed site for a facility on Changi Beach for the performance of post-death rites. (Image: National Environment Agency)
“The facility will be open to all communities, although the Hindu community is expected to be the main user,” the agency said, adding that more detailed parameters of the facility are still being worked out.
The site will have amenities such as parking and restrooms, and will be within walking distance of public bus services.
While the site is fairly accessible, near parking lot 2 at Changi Beach Park and about a five-minute walk from Changi Village, NEA said any inconvenience to the public would be minimal.
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The agency also said that no ash would be spread at the facility.
“The site will be kept within a reasonable space based on usage needs and will be used only for post-death rites, and not for scattering ashes. The latter will continue to be done in approved places at sea, as is the case now, ”the agency said.
“The frequency of such rites is also expected to be low and the rites will be performed primarily during the hours before sunrise, thus minimizing any inconvenience to beach users and the public.”
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The agency said the site was chosen after an “extensive period” of review and consultation with relevant public agencies and interested parties.
A site at Tanah Merah had previously been proposed for the performance of post-death rites. NEA had commissioned a study to assess the potential environmental impact of a facility there and did not highlight any significant adverse impacts.
However, a preliminary design study revealed some safety concerns stemming from the beach gradient and tidal conditions at the site.
“Therefore, we will not continue with the site at Tanah Merah,” NEA said.
