Crowds expected at cemeteries, columbaria during Qing Ming; public urged to avoid 11 peak days
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NEA has encouraged visitors paying respects at cemeteries and columbaria to do so on off-peak days.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
SINGAPORE - Visitors planning to pay their respects at cemeteries and columbaria should expect crowds in the lead-up to the Qing Ming festival, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).
It identified 11 key dates between March 21 and April 19 when larger crowds are expected.
These include the weekends during this period, Hari Raya Puasa (March 21), Good Friday (April 3) and Qing Ming day itself (April 5).
Qing Ming, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day
In a statement on Feb 25, NEA encouraged members of the public to visit the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, Mandai Columbarium and Yishun Columbarium on off-peak days instead.
To cater to the anticipated demand, all three columbaria will be open 24 hours from March 21 to April 19.
However, the Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and the Garden of Serenity next to the Mandai North Crematorium will be closed to the public on the 11 peak days.
This is to provide privacy for next of kin who have obtained prior approval and have been scheduled to scatter ashes in the gardens on those days.
At Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, the public can continue to access all occupied niches, but are reminded to keep out of the hoarded areas where there are ongoing works. The latest updates are available at go.gov.sg/qm2026
NEA has also advised visitors to prioritise their safety and be mindful of their surroundings.
To minimise fly ash and keep the premises safe and clean, they should:
Use designated burners and pits for burning joss paper at the cemetery and columbaria
Burn joss paper in small quantities to reduce ash dispersal
Not leave lit candles, joss sticks and joss paper unattended at any time
Clear all food offerings and/or litter, to avoid attracting pests
Avoid consuming food and drinks within the columbaria premises
Not bring pets into the columbaria
Additionally, they should also avoid offering any forms of gratification, including red packets, to staff working at these premises.
Free shuttle bus services, parking arrangements
Those who are visiting the Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria on peak days can take free shuttle bus services, to and from Yew Tee MRT Station and Khatib MRT Station, respectively.
With Lim Chu Kang Road now realigned from Jalan Bahar to a new junction with Old Choa Chu Kang Road, NEA also reminded visitors to take note of new bus routes and cater extra travel time.
Bus services 172, 405, and 975 have been rerouted, with new and existing bus stops relocated along the realigned roads.
Real-time information on traffic conditions at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai Columbaria will be available at go.gov.sg/qm2026traffic
Motorists are encouraged to check the latest traffic conditions before visiting.
Shuttle bus services to and from Mandai Columbarium in 15-minute intervals on these dates.
GRAPHIC: NEA
Shuttle buses to Choa Chu Kang Columbarium are available from Yew Tee MRT station in 30-minute intervals on these dates. During peak hours between 9am to 2pm, intervals will be 15 minutes.
GRAPHIC: NEA
Those who plan to park at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria on the following dates and times have to book a slot online:
Dates requiring e-appointment for parking at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria.
GRAPHIC: NEA
E-appointment slots, in two-hour intervals, will be available for booking from 10am on March 9 at go.gov.sg/qm2026cckc go.gov.sg/qm2026mc
Visitors will need to show proof of their e-appointment bookings, such as a confirmation e-mail, in order to park at those premises.
As appointment slots are limited, the public should make their bookings in advance, said NEA.
An e-appointment is not required for vehicles entering Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria outside the specified dates and times. Drivers who are dropping off passengers also do not need appointments.
