The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will implement a new enhanced monthly allocation arrangement for public niches starting tomorrow (August 1), fully replacing the existing annual allocation.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Under the enhanced allocation arrangement, over 1 600 extendable public niches will be made available each month across Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun, Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling, Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium in Chai Wan and Shek Mun Columbarium in Sha Tin (see Annex)."

     The spokesman emphasised that if the number of applications for a particular columbarium exceeds the available quota, resulting in applicants not being allocated a niche at their selected columbarium, the FEHD will automatically allocate a niche at Tsang Tsui Columbarium to ensure every applicant secures a niche in the monthly allocation. Applicants may decide whether to accept the automatically assigned niche at Tsang Tsui Columbarium.

     If applicants choose to decline the automatically assigned niche at Tsang Tsui Columbarium, they may re-submit an application for their selected columbarium in the following monthly allocation exercise. However, if a successful applicant declines an allocated niche at their selected columbarium, the FEHD will not accept a further application for the same deceased person at the same columbarium for the next six months.

     Starting from tomorrow, members of the public can apply online or download the application form from the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk) or the Platform for Cemeteries and Crematoria Services (app.fehd.gov.hk/ccsp). They can also obtain the application forms in person from the Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office, District Environmental Hygiene Offices of the FEHD, or Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department, or by fax via hotline 2841 9111.

     On the 20th of each month (or the next working day if it falls on a Saturday or public holiday), the FEHD will conduct a drawing of lots and computer balloting for eligible applications received in the previous month to determine the allocation sequence and the designated niches allocated to successful applicants.

     The spokesman advises applicants to give priority to online submission to avoid postal delays or non-delivery. Upon submission, applicants will promptly receive an acknowledgement receipt with a case number, facilitating the follow-up of the application in the future. If the applicant is the same person who has applied for cremation service for the deceased, online application is more convenient as no further document submission is required, and the application will be granted automatically. Successful applicants can pay the prescribed fees to complete the required niche allocation formalities through the "Single Portal with Token for Online Services and Payment" on the Platform for Cemeteries and Crematoria Services, without visiting the Public Niche Allocation Office in person. For those not applying online, they shall submit the completed application form together with copies of the required documents by fax (2333 1716), email (apply_newniche@fehd.gov.hk), post, or in person to the Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices within the application period.

     For details of the arrangements of the niche allocation exercise, please visit the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk).

Ends/Friday, July 31, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:15

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