Mandai Crematorium closed on Sunday from 1pm for cremation of Mr Lee Kuan Yew

SINGAPORE — Mandai Crematorium will be closed on Sunday, March 29 from 1pm for the cremation service of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore.

Visitors to the Crematorium are advised to leave by 1pm as the venue will be closed from 1pm.

Those planning to visit Mandai Columbarium on the day are advised to do so before 3pm as the columbarium will close from 3pm, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement today (March 27).

Additionally, with the Qing Ming festival starting this weekend, the NEA is advising members of the public who wish to avoid the crowds and traffic congestion to take note of certain dates. 

Large crowds are expected at the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and government columbaria at Mandai, Yishun, Mount Vernon and Choa Chu Kang on the Qing Ming festival date (April 5); the Good Friday holiday (April 3); and the Sundays within the festival period (March 29, April 12 and April 19), the agency said.

Visitors who are intending to visit these facilities on the above debates are advised to take public transport. Drivers are advised to follow the directional signs given by the Traffic Police and wardens.

NEA officers will also be stationed on-site from 6am to 6pm in shifts to provide assistance and directions. NEA is advising drivers to park in a considerate manner to aid traffic flow, and added that temporary car park lots have been made available at the cemetery during the Qing Ming period.  Alternatively, drivers can park along the left hand side of the cemetery paths, NEA said.

Correction: In an earlier version of the story, we reported that Mandai Crematorium will close at 3pm. This is incorrect. The Crematorium will be closed from 1pm and members of public are advised to leave the venue by 1pm.