The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has accepted recommendations from the Ombudsman’s Office regarding public niche allocations.

The department noted that public niche allocations have already been standardised and enhanced through this monthly arrangement. It will carefully study the Office's remaining recommendations to further improve service quality.

The FEHD explained that transitioning to a monthly allocation depends largely on whether the necessary conditions are met at the time. Following the 2020 completion of the Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun – which provided 160,000 niches – the department launched a pilot monthly allocation system for public convenience.

With more public columbaria completed in recent years, including the Shek Mun Columbarium in late 2025, the overall supply of public niches has remained ample, generally eliminating the need to wait for allocations.

Building on the success of the Tsang Tsui pilot, the department determined the time was right to extend monthly allocations to all four columbaria offering new extendable niches: Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun, Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling, Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium in Eastern District, and Shek Mun Columbarium in Sha Tin.

Announced in March and implemented on August 1, the enhanced arrangement now releases over 1,600 extendable public niches each month. Balloting applicants receive results on the same day via SMS or email. Those not allocated a niche at their preferred location are automatically assigned one at Tsang Tsui.

The department emphasised that public niches are limited and precious resources. The new arrangement satisfies overall demand while balancing public preferences against venue capacities. This approach maintains a stable medium- to long-term supply, ensuring future applicants continue to have  choices.

The FEHD will closely monitor application numbers and make timely adjustments as needed. 

Reiterating its commitment to community needs and high standards, the department added that alongside streamlining procedures and optimising resources, it will continue promoting green burials and elevating funeral service quality.