Cemeteries and Crematoria

In land-short Hong Kong, the government encourages cremation rather
than burial of the dead. During the year, over 80 per cent (from RSD's
contribution) of the territory's dead were cremated. Human remains
buried in public cemeteries have to be exhumed after six years and are
either cremated or re-interred in an urn cemetery.

The Provisional Urban Council operates one public funeral parlour in
Kowloon which provides free funeral services for the needy and three
service halls are open to the public free of charge. The council manages
five public cemeteries and two public crematoria, and monitors 18 private
cemeteries. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission manages two
war cemeteries.

The RSD manages four public crematoria and six public cemeteries in the
New Territories. It also oversees 10 private cemeteries and six private
crematoria. Columbaria are provided at Kwai Chung, Fu Shan, Cheung
Chau, Wo Hop Shek, Lamma and Peng Chau for the disposal of cremated
ashes.

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