Campaign Against Irresponsible Burning of Paper Offerings Sees Complaints Drop 13% During 7th Month

A public education campaign aimed at reframing the burning of joss paper offerings as a cultural practice, rather than a religious requirement, was launched during the lunar 7th month in 2022. Following the campaign, the Municipal Services Office (MSO) reported a 13 per cent decrease in feedback regarding joss paper burning compared to the same period in 2021.

Rising concerns about joss paper burning had been increasingly voiced by residents in previous years, with feedback about smoke, ash, and odors impacting cleanliness and the living environment in housing estates. In response, the government adopted a new approach by positioning joss paper burning as a cultural rather than a religious practice, allowing for adjustments in consideration of environmental and civic priorities.

Senior Minister of State for National Development, Sim Ann, explained that consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, cultural experts, and representatives from the funeral and religious goods industry, confirmed that this cultural reframing was appropriate. The shift also aimed to promote environmentally friendly practices while respecting the tradition.

The Alliance for Action (AfA) on Norms for Joss Paper Burning was established in July 2022 to lead these efforts. The collaboration involved key community leaders and agencies working together to shape public understanding and encourage responsible practices. Key messages focused on being considerate to the environment and neighbors, burning joss paper in small quantities, adhering to traditional customs, and cleaning up after offerings.

The campaign was widely publicized through social media, posters, and digital platforms in various locations, including supermarkets and joss paper shops. This outreach led to a 13 per cent drop in feedback, with 2,999 responses during the 2022 lunar 7th month, down from 3,441 in 2021. Town councils and grassroots advisers also noted fewer in-person complaints.

Encouraged by the positive results, Sim Ann announced plans to continue the campaign during the Lunar New Year in 2023, focusing on educating the public about other significant cultural practices such as the Jade Emperor’s birthday, with the goal of promoting long-term responsible joss paper burning habits.