Fewer complaints about joss paper burning after public education campaign

Senior Minister of State for National Development, Ms Sim Ann, announced the closure of the Alliance for Action (AFA) on Norms for Joss Paper Burning.

This comes after feedback related to joss paper burning during the seventh Lunar Month period reached an all-time low in 2024.

Formed in July 2022, the AFA comprised representatives from over 10 Chinese religious, cultural and industry associations.

The alliance spearheaded a public education campaign using posters, videos, and other media to promote responsible joss paper burning practices.

Ms Sim shared that feedback on joss paper burning decreased by 31 per cent in 2024 compared to 2021, before the AFA's campaign began.

Similarly, feedback during the Lunar New Year period saw a 23% reduction in 2025 compared to 2022, before the campaign's launch.

Ms Sim noted that re-framing joss paper burning from a purely religious custom to a customary practice enabled the AFA to develop innovative public education strategies.

These included placing informational wobblers in supermarkets near joss paper products and airing jingles on Chinese radio, contributing to the reduction in feedback.

She expressed hope that this downward trend will continue. However, any resurgence in feedback will be analysed to determine whether public education needs reinforcement, modification, or if other factors are involved.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) will continue the AFA's work, utilising existing templates and monitoring places of worship to ensure adequate amenities. The Municipal Services Office, which served as the AFA's secretariat, will also continue ground monitoring alongside NEA.

Mr Kua Soon Khe, chief executive of the Singapore Buddhist Federation and an AFA member, affirmed their ongoing commitment to advising NEA on traditional practices.