Consumers who want to buy or rent private columbarium niches should ensure the contracts include terms giving due protection to their interests, the Food & Health Bureau said today.
They should seek independent legal opinion if they have any queries.
The bureau said as the Private Columbaria Bill could not be passed in the last legislative term the Government will re-activate the legislative exercise when the next term begins.
After the bill has been enacted only licenced private columbaria can sell or let out niches.
Whether existing private columbaria will be able to obtain a licence in future is uncertain. Even if they do obtain a licence, the maximum ash capacity cannot be foretold at present.
People should exercise extra caution when purchasing and renting niches before the enactment of the bill.
The Government will continue to take enforcement action against unauthorised private columbaria, the bureau added.
