Being the smallest country in South East Asia in terms of land, Singapore is known to be one of the most dense countries in the world.
With about 5.75 million people in population, that would mean an average of 8.4 people are living in just one square metre.
You can imagine how cramped it is for the living. So much so that there is barely any space left for the dead.
A short clip of the History Channel’s documentary titled ’10 Things You Don’t Know About Singapore’ recently went viral on Facebook when it revealed that dead bodies are buried for only 15 years!
Out of the numerous cemeteries in Singapore, only the cemetery in Choa Chu Kang will accept burials. Everywhere else only allows for cremation.
Source: Pinterest
However, even thousands of these burial plots are not permanent as they are only leased for 15 years. This was a movement by the government that begun since 1998.
So, what happens when the time is up?
Funeral director Ang Jolie Mei from The Life Celebrant explained,
“The land that you are given is not going to be a freehold land. It’s only for 15 years, and that means when the 15 years is up, you have to exhume the grave and then be sent for cremation.
“So, who wants to do it twice?”
Makes sense, right?
But if someone absolutely prefers to be buried (before ultimately being cremated anyways), you will be placed in designated concrete boxes.
These new graves are the same size as the ones from before but this time they are placed much much closer to each other. Only 15cm apart.
Of course, the cremation of bodies after 15 years is only imposed on the Christians and Buddhists.
For those whose belief does not allow them to be cremated such as Judaism and Islam, their graves will be dug up and their bodies will be placed in a new plot.
Only thing is… there will be about 6 or more bodies sharing the new plot!
Source: Chesed
Watch the History’s clip right here:
Also read: Study Reveals That Asians Are Becoming Taller While Americans Are Getting Shorter
