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Roll out grading system for after-death facilities

Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli told Parliament last month that the National Environment Agency (NEA) had sought views from funeral directors and parlour operators on how after-death services could be enhanced.

A grading system for after-death facilities will help businesses to be transparent about the standards of their facilities and increase public confidence in funeral services, says the writer.

A grading system for after-death facilities will help businesses to be transparent about the standards of their facilities and increase public confidence in funeral services, says the writer.

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Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli told Parliament last month that the National Environment Agency (NEA) had sought views from funeral directors and parlour operators on how after-death services could be enhanced.

Mr Masagos also said that the authorities had done hygiene inspections of all 21 licensed funeral parlours with embalming facilities and issued a circular to remind licensed operators of their responsibilities under licensing conditions.

As this is a matter of public concern, it would be appreciated if NEA would release information on the 21 licensed funeral parlours with embalming facilities and their owners, as well as how licences are granted under its licensing scheme.

There was a similar call earlier this year for greater transparency on the content of NEA's advisories in light of the incident involving Fook Sow Undertaker in Geylang Bahru. In that case, a man had his mother’s body moved to another funeral parlour after Fook Sow Undertaker allegedly left her body uncovered.

It has been more than six months since unsatisfactory hygiene standards in Geylang Bahru were made public. NEA should update the public on investigations into Fook Sow Undertaker and the actions taken.

The Association of Funeral Directors Singapore and funeral directors should also tell the public about the steps they have taken since June to improve standards across the industry.

Owners of funeral businesses and parlours are by and large left to determine service standards that fall outside NEA’s requirements. Quality standards tend to differ and fluctuate.

NEA should, therefore, consider instituting a grading system for after-death facilities in Singapore, so that businesses can be transparent to families about the standards of their facilities and increase public confidence in funeral services.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number. 

Related topics

death Funeral standards NEA

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