People really need reputable operators in columbarium sector

Given the way the government has dragged its feet in regulating private columbariums, I am not surprised to read about the "illegal" private facility in Tung Chung ("Villagers oppose alleged plans for columbarium, June 1).

When an industry is not properly regulated through legislation and enforcement, consumers are left exposed to fraudulent practices.

It is ironic that since the government proposed to regulate private columbariums through a licensing scheme, the public has become even more confused and at risk of being defrauded as unscrupulous operators of substandard facilities make misleading claims about their future status.

I foresee even more substandard columbariums coming onto the market as illicit operators engage in a mad dash for the hard-earned money of consumers before legislation eventually comes into effect.

The public is reasonably well protected against misrepresentation by property developers when it comes to buying a home for the living. However, it would seem we are even more in need of protection when it comes to purchasing a niche for the cremated remains of loved ones.

After all, most of us will inevitably be outlived by the niches we have bought for ourselves or for others.