Experts advise planning for death amid push for ‘green burials’

Experts have urged stronger public education on end-of-life planning and wider consideration of green burial options, as Macau faces increasing pressure on land use and evolving social attitudes toward death-related arrangements.

Per the Green Burial Council, “Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.”

Speakers on TDM’s current affairs program program featured Kou Ngan Fong, vice president of the Choi In Tong Sam Association; Lao Mei I, assistant supervisor of the “Sunset Glow” End-of-Life Service for Elderly Living Alone run by General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM); and David Wong, president of the Macao Legal Exchange and Promotion Association (MLEPA) and a partner at Vong Hin Fai Lawyers & Private Notaries.

“Macau’s limited land area makes it suitable for green burial practices,” Kou noted. Kou also highlighted that residents have “many questions about green burials, such as hygiene, rituals, procedures, and pricing.”

With green burial adoption rates lagging behind neighboring regions, Kou encouraged the government to research demand, space, and options long-term while boosting promotion to fit local needs. On calls for a local crematorium, Kou stressed that site selection must involve “public opinion and requires public consultation or discussion.”

“The public should learn more about the importance of planning for one’s death in advance through education in various fields,” added Kou.

Lao described her end-of-life service group’s work aiding elderly living alone and couples fearing postmortem neglect, and called for professionals to promote advance planning. She also highlighted a rising number of inquiries from younger people on the topic.

Wong detailed legal steps, noting citizens can pre-register eco-friendly burials with the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM).

Wong addressed lifetime asset transfers, warning, “Yes, the risks and uncertainties associated with one’s legacy might be relatively high. It’s impossible to know whether […] valuable items were transferred at a lower price.” He cautioned against pre-death real estate shifts due to costs, despite no estate tax, and noted fallback laws if no will exists.

Wong also flagged cross-border issues for Macau retirees with mainland China properties. “Currently, regarding the establishment of estates and family records, there are no legal restrictions on the inclusion of overseas properties in the estate register,” he said. Wong noted that “special consideration is needed because the laws governing estates established in Macau, whether in mainland China or Hong Kong, differ. This is especially true when it comes to real estate in mainland China.”

On traditional versus green options, Wong said, “Of course, it depends on individual acceptance.” He added that if people prefer a more traditional approach, as some listeners did, they should “choose traditional methods within their financial means.”