Arranging A Funeral - NEA

Ash Management

After cremation, the ashes of the deceased can be scattered at sea. The Maritime Port Authority (MPA) has designated a site located about 1.5 nautical miles (2.8km) south of Pulau Semakau where ash scattering at sea can be conducted. This can be done daily, from 7am to 7pm. For more information, please contact the MPA’s Port Marine Safety Control Centre at 6325 2488..

Ashes of the deceased may also be scattered at Garden of Peace, a designated garden located at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. This is an additional option of ash scattering, which can be conducted from 9am to 5pm daily. Booking of session at the Garden of Peace can be done via NEA ePortal, or in person at the service counters, with submission of list of required documents. More information on ash scattering facilities.

Alternatively, the ashes of the deceased can be stored at home or in a columbarium. Niches are available at two government-managed columbaria and many other private columbaria. You will need to bring your NRIC and the digital death certificate to book a niche. Booking of niches in government-managed columbaria can also be done over the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Pertaining to Funeral Arrangements

Q: Can my family choose not to hold a funeral wake, before the cremation or burial?A: Yes, it is entirely up to the choice of families on the types of funeral services they wish to carry out for their deceased loved ones. Some families may opt for "direct cremation" or "direct burial", where the body is sent for cremation or burial shortly after passing. Families may conduct simple prayer services at home, or at the crematorium service hall, before the cremation. Some families may also choose to hold the memorial service after the cremation, i.e. the ashes are present at the memorial instead of the body. Q: What is embalming, and is it necessary?A: Embalming is a procedure carried out to delay decomposition of the body. The bodily fluids are removed, and are replaced with formaldehyde-based chemical solutions that will delay decomposition. It may be necessary, if you select certain arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing, or with an open casket. It is also typically done when the body is to be transported over long distances or across borders. If you do not want embalming, you may choose an arrangement that does not require viewing. A funeral wake may still be held, as long as the body is placed in a hermetically sealed coffin (without a viewing window), for a period not exceeding 7 days after the death. Note: Embalming is allowed for all COVID-19 deceased regardless of time from infection, i.e. no stipulation on number of days from first positive test. If embalmed, open casket wakes are allowed. Q: What are the usual components in a funeral package?A: The types of services/products in a funeral arrangement will vary, depending on the religious beliefs, preferences of the family (including those expressed by the deceased before their passing) and customs. Families are advised to make their own enquiries ad seek independent advice where applicable. My Legacy supports citizens to plan and prepare for end-of-life matters.