Waiving of Cremation Fees for Individuals on Public Assistance Who Passed Away Without Next-of-kin

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Ministry will consider waiving the cremation fees for individuals on public assistance who passed away and have no family members or friends to attend to their matters upon their death.

The cost of cremation in Government-managed crematoria has been kept affordable at $100 since 1997. For deceased individuals on public assistance without next-of-kin, there are sources of financial support from the public, people and private sectors. For example, MSF's Social Service Offices (SSOs) can tap on probono services offered by welfare services to assist Comcare beneficiaries who do not have any financial or family support to pay for funeral services, including cremation fees.