The NEA introduced the Crypt Burial System (CBS) in 2007 with aims to improve the traditional soil burial system and optimise land use. A burial plot in the CBS comes in the form of a concrete crypt without a base. The deceased are buried in these crypts, laid out in grids to allow for more efficient use of land and make the cemetery plots more accessible to visitors.

The system is endorsed by various religious bodies in Singapore as it accommodates the needs of our local communities, respects religious beliefs and continues traditions. Preserving the dignity of burial, the system also prevents graves from shifting due to underground soil movement or soil erosion. In addition, it provides a neater burial and cemetery appearance for many years to come.

The New Burial Policy, introduced by the government in 1998 to combat land scarcity, limits the burial period to 15 years. After this period, graves will be exhumed and the remains cremated or re-interred according to one's religious requirements. Together with the CBS, this policy will extend the cemetery land usage even though Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is the only cemetery in Singapore available for burials.

For more information on CBS at the Chinese and Christian Cemetery Section, please click here.

For more information on CBS at the Muslim and Hindu Cemetery Section, please click here.

We would like to thank the following organisations for their invaluable contributions and support for the CBS :-

• Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
• Singapore Buddhist Federation
• Taoist Federation (Singapore)
• Taoist Mission (Singapore)
• Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
• National Council of Churches of Singapore
• Hindu Endowments Board
• Jewish Welfare Board
• Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission
• The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Singapore
• Parsi Zoroastrian Association of Singapore
• Association of Funeral Directors