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Burning of joss paper in housing estates: Take better measures to manage pollution

I applaud the National Environment Agency (NEA) for taking swift enforcement action against a trio who was reported in the media recently as having thrown joss paper into a canal as offerings — an offence under the Environmental Public Health Act.

Joss paper being burnt in a metal container.

Joss paper being burnt in a metal container.

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Victor Vong Hansheng

I applaud the National Environment Agency (NEA) for taking swift enforcement action against a trio who was reported in the media recently as having thrown joss paper into a canal as offerings — an offence under the Environmental Public Health Act.

However, when it comes to offerings being burnt and strewn along pavements and public areas, it appears as if the authorities have not been that consistent in enforcement.

For instance, during the Hungry Ghost Festival in the seventh lunar month on the Chinese calendar, which ended recently on Sept 6, most believers who make burnt offerings generally use the metal containers provided by the town councils in housing estates.

However, these containers or bins are mostly not designed with any form of air filtration.

Studies have shown that large amounts of air pollutants, including heavy metals, are released from the burning of joss paper.

There are strict air quality and emissions control for industries and vehicles yet in the densely populated housing estates here, there is unfettered air pollution from joss paper burning in our midst.

No doubt, it is important to maintain religious harmony and tolerance, but it should not come at the expense of the environment and public health.

Other countries with similar practices have taken steps to manage these concerns through regulations and employing technology, such as mandating off-site burning at remote locations and making use of furnaces with air filtration.

I strongly urge NEA and the relevant stakeholders to manage the burning of joss paper in our neighbourhoods to safeguard our environment and public health.

Related topics

joss paper burning NEA air pollution emissions

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