Frequently Asked Questions
For information on Phase 2(b) Exhumation Programme at Pusara Aman Cemetery, Block 1 and 2. Please click here.
Phase 1, Phase 2(a) and Phase 3
1. Which graves are covered under Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3?
Phase 1
Phase 1 covered the Chinese Cemetery Block 1 and Hindu Cemetery Divisions 1 to 3. The graves in the Chinese Cemetery date back to between 1947 and 1961, whilst those in the Hindu Cemetery date back to between 1946 and 1953.
The graves covered under Phase 1 are indicated in the map.
Phase 2(a)
Phase 2(a) covered the Chinese Cemetery Block 2. The graves in the Chinese Cemetery Block 2 date back to between 1954 and 1971.
The graves covered under Phase 2(a) are indicated in the map.
Phase 3
Phase 3 covered the Chinese Cemetery Blocks 4, 5 and 6. The graves in the Chinese Cemetery Block 4, 5 and 6 date back to between 1968 and 1978.
The graves covered under Phase 3 are indicated in the map.
2. When will exhumation of the graves commence and when will it be completed?
Phase 1
Choa Chu Kang Exhumation Phase 1 has ended in December 2005. All unclaimed ashes have been scattered at sea in March 2009.
Phase 2(a)
Phase 2(a) has ended in March 2008. All unclaimed ashes will be kept until December 2011. Next of Kin will still wishes to make a claim can contact NEA via email: nea_cckexhumation@nea.gov.sg
Phase 3
Exhumation of graves has commenced after registration of claims and unclaimed graves were exhumed in June 2010.
All unclaimed ashes will be kept until 2014. Next of Kin who wishes to make a claim can contact NEA via email: nea_cckexhumation@nea.gov.sg
3. How does a claimant register a claim for the remains covered under the exhumation?
The claimant needs to fill up the Claim Registration Form to register a claim.
Alternatively, the claimant may download the registration form, or obtain copies of the form by:
(a) calling our hotline on tel: 679-555-11,
(c) visiting our site office located at the grounds of the Choa Chu Kang Crematorium (please see map)
and submit the completed Claim Registration Forms via fax/post to:
CCK Exhumation Registration Office
c/o Choa Chu Kang Crematorium
960 Choa Chu Kang Road
Singapore 699818
Fax: 686-272-35
4. What will happen to the exhumed remains?
The exhumed remains will be cremated except for Phase 2(b).
5. Can the exhumed remains not be cremated but reburied?
All exhumed remains from the affected graves in Phase 1, Phase 2(a) and Phase 3 have to be cremated.
6. Does a claimant have to pay for the exhumation if he opts for NEA's contractor to carry out the exhumation?
No. NEA will bear the cost of exhumation and subsequent cremation. If the ashes are placed in any government columbarium, a standard niche - complete with an urn and marble plaque - will also be provided by NEA.
7. What will happen to unclaimed graves?
All unclaimed graves will be exhumed, and the remains cremated and kept for three years before they are scattered at sea.
8. Can a claim be made for graves outside the affected area?
Next-of-kin can also make claims for the remains of other family members buried outside Blocks 4, 5 and 6 (Phase 3 Exhumation programme) under the following conditions:
- They must be related to the deceased buried in the affected block under one of the following relationships: (i) Grandparents (ii) Parents (iii) Siblings (iv) Spouse (v) Son/daughter (vi) Grandchildren
- These family members must have been buried at the Choa Chu Kang cemetery on or before 21st March 1994 (i.e. graves should be least 15 years old)
Niches for cremated ashes
1. Instead of accepting the standard niche allocated by the government, can a claimant opt for a family niche?
Yes, the claimant can do so by paying the difference in fee between a standard and a family niche.
2. Can a claimant choose the location of the niche at the government columbarium where the cremated ashes are to be stored?
Yes, claimants who wish to choose the position of the niche can do so by paying a selection fee (presently $250 per niche).
3. Can a claimant put more than 2 urns in a niche?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of urns that can be put inside a niche, as long as space is available.
Private Arrangements
1. Can a claimant engage a contractor to carry out the exhumation privately?
Yes. Claimants have to apply for an exhumation permit from NEA and make arrangements with their own contractor to exhume the graves privately, at their own expense. The costs of cremation and storage of the ashes in a government columbarium will still be borne by the NEA.
2. Can the cremated ashes be stored at private columbaria (in churches/ temples)?
Yes, however it will be at the claimant's own expense.
3. Can the cremated ashes be stored at home?
Yes.
On the day of the exhumation
1. Does the claimant need to be present to witness the exhumation of the grave(s) claimed?
No. Witnessing of the exhumation is optional. NEA will deploy officers to oversee and supervise the exhumation, to ensure that the graves are exhumed individually.
2. Can the claimant appoint someone to witness the exhumation on his/her behalf?
Yes. The claimant may appoint, in writing, a proxy to witness the exhumation on his/her behalf.
Export of exhumed remains
1. Can exhumed remains be exported?
Yes. On the day of exhumation, the claimant will be given a letter from NEA confirming that the exhumation has been carried out satisfactorily. With this letter from NEA and a certification from the undertaker/casket company that the coffin containing the exhumed remains is hermetically sealed, the claimant may then proceed to apply for a Coffin Permit from the following office:
Port Health Office
Central Regional Office
4545 Jalan Bukit Merah
Singapore 159466
Tel: 622-225-85
Fax: 622-285-43
The permit fee payable to the Port Health Office is $10.
A Coffin Permit is not required for the export of cremated remains out of Singapore.