Flouting of Guidelines for Use of Light-emitting Wreaths and Inflatables at Funeral Wakes

13 Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment since the introduction of the guidelines for the usage of light emitting wreaths and inflatables at funeral wakes in June 2022 (a) how many complaints have been received relating to the flouting of the guidelines; (b) what have been the challenges of enforcing the guidelines; and (c) whether there will be a further review of the guidelines should concerns persist.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (Mr Baey Yam Keng) (for the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment): Sir, the guidelines on the use of light-emitting wreaths and inflatables at funeral wakes were co-developed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Association of Funeral Directors Singapore (AFD) in June 2022, to guide the funeral services industry and premises owners on the appropriate use of these items to ensure public safety and minimise disamenities.

NEA has worked with the Town Councils and land agencies, which issue permits for wakes held in public residential estates, to promulgate these guidelines through the terms and conditions of these permits.

From June 2022 to April 2023, NEA received about three cases of feedback per month on the use of light-emitting wreaths and inflatables at funeral wakes. Since the issuance of the guidelines to stakeholders, NEA and AFD have observed a decrease in feedback received. Feedback providers were mainly concerned with the excessive number of light-emitting wreaths and leaving them turned on after 10.00 pm. When such feedback is received, the respective Town Councils and land agencies would be notified to engage the relevant parties to address these concerns.

NEA will continue to work with stakeholders to monitor the situation and review the guidelines if necessary.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Alex Yam.

Mr Alex Yam (Marsiling-Yew Tee): Thank you, Sir. I have one supplementary question. Understandably, of course, wakes are sensitive and emotional times for families. Therefore, also makes it difficult for agencies to enforce the guidelines, even with as much tact that is available, much less to remove the wreaths if they are any contraventions. It is also difficult for bereaved families to be able to advise well wishes not to send such wreaths beyond the advised number. Affected residents also understandably lean on agencies, such as the Town Council, to enforce what are advisories.

I would like to ask therefore, as the LED wreaths are recent innovation and not part of an established culture and tradition, would the Ministry not consider a blanket ban on such wreaths, considering that disamenities and potential safety hazards that they may pose to the public?

Mr Baey Yam Keng: I thank the Member for his questions. Indeed, the light-emitting wreaths are a more recent Innovation. But the display of wreaths at wakes are part of a cultural tradition. In fact, there are people who even think that using light-emitting wreaths are more sustainable because they can be reused and do not contribute to waste as compared to other traditional wreaths.

But what is important is how are these light-emitting wreaths being used, whether they are placed and used in a responsible manner. Since the issuance of guidelines, the Town Councils and land agencies have incorporated the requirements within the guidelines into the conditions of their permits. So, the Town Councils land agencies are responsible to ensure adherence. But I note the Member's point that during bereavement, there needs to be a bit more sensitivity to enforce such guidelines.

Therefore, we also worked concurrently with the funeral directors and the wreath suppliers. They are supposed to concurrently check in with the families on the site conditions and on how many light-emitting wreaths are already placed there, and only take on the orders when the conditions permit for them to deliver the wreaths.

NEA will continue to monitor the situation with various stakeholders and review the guidelines, if necessary.