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From 1 July 2004, all cremations
will be held at the brand new Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex (MCC)
built next to the existing complex. The old Mount Vernon Crematorium
will cease operation after last cremations on 30 Jun 04.
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The new MCC has 10 cremators and
four air-conditioned service halls. With four service halls, more cremations
could be held concurrently during the peak hours each day (usually between 11
am and 3 pm).
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Mr Philip Tan, the President of
the Association of Funeral Directors (S'pore) noted the new MCC is very
user-friendly and more accommodative. In particular, he noted 'the
air-conditioned waiting halls provide a comfortable and proper holding area
for the public to gather/congregate after the funeral service, even during hot
and wet weather'.
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Please see Annex for more details
about the new MCC. The complex also includes six four-storey columbaria
blocks, which can house 77,320 niches.
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To facilitate the movement of
cremation activities from Mount Vernon to Mandai, the NEA has briefed all
religious leaders and funeral directors and taken them on guided tours to
familiarize with facilities provided at the new MCC.
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From end-May, notices will also be
posted at the Mount Vernon Crematorium entrances and exits to alert the public
about the July closure of the crematorium.
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From 1 July 2004, the public using
the Mount Vernon Crematorium booking office telephone number (6284 4416) will
hear a recorded message informing them of the new crematorium at MCC. This
recorded message will be played for a period of six months. The public can
also call the NEA's 24-hour Call Centre on Tel: 1800 CALL NEA (1800 2255 632)
for information about cremation arrangements.
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While the crematorium at Mount
Vernon will be closed, the Columbarium at Mount Vernon will remain and
next-of-kin can continue to visit the columbarium.
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There is still no indication of
when the columbarium site is needed for redevelopment into a residential area
and a park. When the timing of this movement is firm, the NEA will give
next-of-kin ample two years' notice before the relocation of the niches can
take place. Meanwhile, the site will continue to be maintained to preserve its
serene surroundings.
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For more information, please
contact: Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA
(1800-2255 632) Email: contact_nea@nea.gov.sg
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Source: National
Environment Agency (NEA) News Release 27 May 2004
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40-year-old Mount Vernon Crematorium to close on 30 June
