Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Registration

  • The Burial Policy, introduced by the government in 1998, to address the issue of land scarcity, limits the burial period at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery (CCKC) to 15 years, and the graves can be exhumed thereafter.
  • Exhumations are announced and carried out in phases, as designated by National Environment Agency (NEA).

  • All Muslim graves at Blocks 23, 24, 25, 26, N-429, N-1-1 & N-1-2 (Principal Deceased) are affected and will be exhumed after the registration closing date.

  • Graves located outside of Blocks 23, 24, 25, 26, N-429, N-1-1 & N-1-2 (Supplementary Deceased) may also be exhumed if they meet the following requirements:
    • Supplementary Deceased must be buried for at least 15 years prior to the registration closing date.
    • Supplementary Deceased must be related to Principal Deceased in the following manner:

  • MUIS will alert the NOK of those buried in the affected blocks of the Muslim Cemetery during the one-year claim registration period via newspaper and web notices, signboards at the burial blocks, banners, pamphlets and posters at mosques, radio and mosque announcements, as well as updates on MUIS Facebook and exhumation website.
  • In the exhumation notice, we will provide information on the exhumation and reinterment process and procedures for the NOK to register their claims.
  • All claim registrations must comply with the prevailing Terms and Conditions* by MUIS and such rules and regulations may be prescribed by NEA governing the exhumation and reinterment of graves.

*Terms and Conditions can be found in our website

  • Family members are eligible to claim the remains of their NOK.
  • Legally adopted children are recognised as immediate family members and may make decisions about burial and exhumation of their adoptive parents, in accordance with Singapore law, including for Muslims.
  • Claimed disputes: For Principal Graves, if family members submit a written objection to MUIS and cannot resolve the disagreement, the grave will be marked as unclaimed and exhumed in the unclaimed phase. For Supplementary Graves, should any family member submit a written objection to MUIS, the registration will be cancelled, and the exhumation will not proceed.

  • If you are not a family member, you are not permitted to claim the deceased’s remains unless authorised by the deceased direct living family member via Written Authorisation.

From Tuesday, 10 June 2025, 9.00am, Claimants may register via 2 methods

1. Online Registration

  • Claimants can register online using Singpass via pusara.sg

2. Physical Registration at MCEO

  • Claimants who are unable to register online may make appointments via our website to visit the Muslim Cemetery Exhumation Office (MCEO).

 

  • Registration will close on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
  • Registering early does not secure an earlier exhumation date, as exhumation schedules are determined by operational needs.
  • Claimants have carried out due diligence to ensure that there is no objection from his/her family members and relatives in regard to this claim.

Note: Priority shall be given to those with scheduled appointments over walk-in Claimants without appointments.

  • Principal Graves: Graves will be verified through identifying photographs provided during registration.

For online registration, Claimants may schedule an appointment via our website for physical verification of graves at the MCEO if necessary.

  • For Baby Plots and Sub-Plots, Claimants must visit the gravesite for verification.
  • Supplementary Graves: For claiming of Supplementary Graves (non-affected graves) with a Principal Deceased, an appointment at the MCEO (which can be made via our website) is required for physical verification of documents and payment of fee.

  • Claimant’s NRIC.
  • A copy of the Death or Burial Certificate to register for Supplementary Graves. Alternatively, Claimants may obtain a burial extract from NEA’s Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Office for a fee of $20 (after GST).
  • Written Authorisation from biological family members, where applicable (for Principal Graves only).
  • Supporting documents, including legal documentation for adopted children, are required where applicable.

To obtain a burial location search, contact NEA’s Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Office at 6795 9731 by providing the deceased’s information [(e.g. name, date/year of death, prominent building (e.g. Civil Defence Academy, Pusara Aman Mosque etc) nearby your loved one’s Cemetery Block].

  • The particulars of the Claimant are not permitted to be disclosed in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) unless consented by the Claimant.

  • You may submit a written objection to MUIS via email at info@pusara.sg.

Monday to Thursday
8.30 am to 12.30 pm
1.30 pm to 4.30 pm

Friday
8.30 am to 12.30 pm
2.30 pm to 4.30 pm

Closed on ​Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday

  • Yes, it is possible to change the main Claimant. Both the current Claimant and the NOK must mutually agree to the change through Written Authorisation. This authorisation should be accompanied by copies of their respective NRICs to facilitate the transfer of names. Claimants wishing to change the main Claimant must be present at the MCEO for this request.
  • Claimants are required to book an appointment online via www.pusara.sg before visiting the MCEO, and this request must be made prior to the registration closing date.

  • There is no fee for the exhumation of affected graves (Principal Graves) at Blocks 23, 24, 25, 26, N-429, N-1-1 & N-1-2.
  • For each registration of Supplementary Grave, a non-refundable fee of $80 (before GST) per grave will be charged.

Exhumation

  • Exhumation dates cannot be rescheduled as all available slots have been filled to meet operational needs.
  • Claimants will adhere strictly to MUIS’ schedule and timing for the exhumation in order not to affect the exhumation of other graves and the overall exhumation schedule.
  • If unable to attend, the Claimant may authorise other family members or MUIS to act on their behalf through a Written Authorisation.
  • Please notify MUIS at least two weeks prior to the exhumation date by calling 6238 4504 or emailing info@pusara.sg

  • Yes, please provide a Written Authorisation to the Customer Service Officer (CSO) at the MCEO to proceed with the process on your behalf.

  • Yes, Claimants wishing to combine their requests must be present at the MCEO to complete the proper registration process. Claimants are required to book an appointment online via www.pusara.sg before visiting the MCEO, and this request must be made prior to the registration closing date.

  • You may contact our office at 6238 4504 or email to info@pusara.sg to make an enquiry and confirm the exhumation date.

  • During exhumation, the grave will be dug to the original soil depth (liang lahad) to retrieve any remains.
  • Any remains found will be shrouded in white cloth and reinterred.
  • If no remains are found, a token amount of grave soil will be collected for reinterment.

Shrouding and Reinterment

  • The remains will be brought to the Shrouding Station located at Block N-1-15 (Pusara Abadi).
  • Claimants must present their Sticker Label, which will be provided on the exhumation day, to witness the shrouding process.
  • No special prayers, such as Talkin (brief reminder), will be conducted for the exhumed remains, as there is no religious requirement.

  • The remains will be transported to the designated reinterment block at Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery for reinterment.
  • The remains will be reinterred according to NEA’s guidelines*:
    • 8 remains per crypt for claimed graves.
    • 16 remains per crypt for unclaimed graves.

(*) subject to the sizes of the remains

  • Please note that no reservations of positions in the crypt or selection of crypt location are allowed. Any vacant positions will be filled with remains claimed by other family members of the deceased.

  • Unclaimed graves will be exhumed, and the remains reinterred at Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery.

  • The exhumation process will be supervised by MUIS. NEA will maintain all reinterment records in their database.

  • Unclaimed graves will be exhumed and reinterred at Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery.
  • The exhumation process will be supervised by MUIS, and the reinterment information of the deceased maintained in NEA’s database.

  • You do not need approval from NEA to decorate the reinterment crypt; however, you must adhere to the following conditions:
    • No permanent or obstructive structures, such as cement or fences, are allowed.
    • Any form of decorations or structures outside the grave plot is prohibited, and will be removed if erected.
    • If there is a dispute among Claimants of the shared reinterment crypt due to a lack of consensus, NEA will first assist in mediation. If mediation fails, all decorations must be removed immediately.
  • You are not required to seek permission from other Claimants sharing the crypt.
  • For enquiries, please submit your enquiries electronically via info@muis.gov.sg.

  • Visit the cemetery during daytime.
  • Avoid visiting during and immediately after adverse weather. For more information on weather forecast, you may visit NEA website or download myENV app for lightning and heat alerts.
  • Take shelter at nearby pavilions and vehicles during Category 1 Lightning.
  • Keep a safe distance and move slowly away when you encounter any wild animals and insects (e.g. wild dogs, wild boars, snakes, bees / hornets, spiders, mosquitoes, fire ants, etc.)
  • Exercise care and caution when navigating or walking within the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery compound.
  • Bring along weather protection accessories (e.g. umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, etc.) and wear protective footwear (e.g. shoes, boots).
  • Pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely within the cemetery.
  • Read the prominent signages of NEA’s Rules and Regulations within the Cemetery compound.
  • Third-party grave maintenance service providers are not regulated or endorsed by NEA. NOK who have not made prior private arrangements for such services are advised not to pay anyone who claims to have maintained the graves of their loved ones.
  • These third-party grave maintenance service providers are not to engage in any illegal activities, such as touting, extortion, harassment, and cheating.
  • Visitors may lodge a police report should you encounter any such incident.

  • Choose clothing that is weather appropriate.
  • Apply insect repellent.
  • Adhere to the prevailing health advisories issued by the authorities.
  • If you feel unwell or are sick, please stay at home, see a doctor, and avoid visiting the cemetery. Please notify our officers at 6238 4504 to reschedule your appointment to another date when you are well.
  • Avoid bringing vulnerable groups such as elderly family members or young children in need of assistance if possible.
  • Drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
  • Observe safety advisory signages at the burial and reinternment blocks.
  • Watch out for safety hazards, such as potholes, uneven, muddy and slippery surfaces.
  • Stand behind the safety cone poles or red and white tape.

  • To reinter remains outside Singapore, please inform MUIS and you must obtain a Coffin Permit from NEA. The permit costs $17.50 (inclusive of GST). The coffin to be hermetically sealed. Submit your application to NEA at:

Port Health Office
4545 Jalan Bukit Merah
Singapore 159466

  • For any enquiries, please call 6222 2585.
  • All related export costs will be borne by the Claimant.
  • Claimants must submit the following information to MUIS at least one month prior to the exhumation date:
  • Death Certificate (if not provided during registration).
  • Name of the funeral service company arranging the export.
  • The funeral service company can apply for the Coffin Permit on behalf of the Claimant through the e-portal: https://www.eportal.nea.gov.sg/app/applications/create/application-for-coffin-permit-import.
  • If the application is approved, the “Written Permission to Exhume Corpse” will be issued by NEA’s Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Office through MUIS.
  • On the exhumation day, MUIS’ contractor will hand over the exhumed remains to the Claimant’s chosen funeral service company.