When it comes time to shuffle off this mortal coil, many of us will rest assured knowing that our human body has a permanent resting place somewhere in the world that we paid top dollar to secure. That is, if you’re not buried in Singapore.
If you’re laid to rest on the island nation, your body will only stay buried for 15 years. Then they kick you out of the cemetery.
You see, Singapore is a tiny nation. Despite the large amount of wealth the country has accumulated in recent years, real estate is still the most valuable asset on the island.
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In 1998, the government passed a law that stated from then on, residents were no longer permitted to permanently purchase cemetery plots. Instead, they could only rent them from the government with a maximum rental period of 15 years.
While shocking, the law isn’t really out of character for Singapore’s government. For years now, cemeteries have routinely been cleared to make way for new constructions like highways, shopping malls, and even entire towns.
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However, the policy is not without its critics. Many argue this indifference to the funeral traditions of the past is putting the country on a dangerous path.
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Still though, it’s hard to stand in the way of a practice when it is so well funded and supported by a popular government.
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In a few years, this whole debate might be a moot point. More and more people are choosing to be cremated rather than buried in the country.