As the Qing Ming Festival approaches in April, many families will likely be paying their respects during this period.
In anticipation of the event, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has urged members of the public to avoid visiting cemeteries and columbaria on certain days when large crowds are expected.
Source: Google Maps
These include the actual day of the Qing Ming Festival, Good Friday (7 Apr), as well as weekends from 18 Mar to 16 Apr.
In an advisory on Thursday (23 Feb), NEA said that they’re expecting “large crowds” at Government-managed cemeteries and columbaria during Qing Ming this year. These include:
This is especially the case during the following periods:
As such, NEA advises members of the public to avoid visiting during the above dates if possible.
Source: National Environment Agency (NEA) on Facebook
To better manage the crowd situation, NEA will be implementing crowd control during this period.
Additionally, Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, Mandai Columbarium, Yishun Columbarium, and Choa Chu Kang Cemetary will open 24 hours daily from 18 Mar to 16 Apr.
However, the Garden of Peace, NEA’s Inland Ash Scattering Garden at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, will be closed for visiting on Qing Ming Festival, Good Friday, and the month-long period from 18 Mar to 16 Apr.
During this window, only applicants with an approved booking for inland ash scattering can enter.
NEA will also be implementing traffic management controls at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai Columbaria.
For the entire period from 18 Mar to 16 Apr, visitors must secure an e-appointment booking in order to park at Mandai Columbarium.
Choa Chu Kang Columbarium will also be implementing a similar system, albeit on fewer dates:
Source: National Environment Agency
Time slots will come in the form of 2-hour blocks from 6am and will be available for booking from 10am on 6 Mar, via the following link.
Drivers without a valid e-appointment will not be allowed to enter and park at the premises on the stipulated dates.
To minimise congestion at the premises, NEA advises visitors to take shuttle buses available for the facilities at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai on peak visiting days.
Here are the details on the shuttle bus services:
Source: National Environment Agency
Alternatively, visitors can get to the destinations via public transport.
As for those getting there via taxis and private hire vehicles, NEA says there will be designated drop-off and pick-up points to facilitate the alighting and boarding process.
Members of the public are also advised to check the traffic conditions at both facilities prior to their visits. They may do so via NEA’s website here.
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
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