A list of private columbariums that are properly run is among measures being considered by a new government task force looking into ways to regulate privately run storage facilities for human ashes.
The interdepartmental taskforce, headed by the Food and Health Bureau, will also study increasing the supply of niches. A report is expected in a few months.
The move comes as the Consumer Council yesterday reported that almost two-thirds of the 28 complaints against columbarium services it received last year concerned the legality of the premises. In the first quarter of this year, there have been five such complaints. In 2008, the council received only nine complaints against funeral services.
The council also compiles its own list of properly-run private columbariums. As of the middle of last month, there were 13 on the list.
A government spokesman yesterday said the new taskforce would also consider introducing a listing system.
'We attach great importance to consumers' rights. We will study various measures to assist the trade to enhance the transparency of information about private columbariums, such as introducing a listing system ... This would allow the public to know more easily whether a columbarium complies with relevant legislation and requirements, which will strengthen the protection of consumers' rights.'