Over 200 People Spotted at a Funeral Procession at Jalan Bukit Merah

Sadness and sorrow. These are the two adjectives that commonly describe a funeral procession, an event that takes place after a loved one’s death.

Yet, the fact remains that these are tumultuous times. And with a recent onslaught of cases, it’s imperative that we comply with the given measures…

No matter how saddened and aggrieved we may be.

But here’s the thing.

A wrong and a wrong do not make a right.

Over 200 People Spotted at a Funeral Procession at Jalan Bukit Merah

Just yesterday (23 July 2021), a Facebook user posted a video in the group SG Covidiots, alongside the caption:

“Large crowd at funeral procession at Bukit Merah earlier.”

In the 1:05 clip, a multitude of people could be seen walking along a road as a funeral procession took place.

The numbers were reportedly estimated to be at around 200. The procession was later revealed to have taken place near Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah on 20 July 2021.

It was also later revealed that the deceased was well-liked in life, and likely had many friends.

Rules

Unfortunately, the procession was technically not a legal one.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), there can only be up to 20 attendees at funerals and wakes at any one time. The exact number depends on the safe capacity of the venue.

And the notion did not escape the attention of Netizens.

“Can so many people?” one Netizen wondered.

“OMG! Large crowd?” another commented. “Where were the enforcement officers?”

It should be noted, however, that some have also called out the poster for her action.

“Funeral also want to disturb?” a Netizen wrote. “Eat full too free is it?”

“Funeral also wanna disturb,” another concurred. “Why never post recent ndp crowd and mbs there.”

In a subsequent interview with Shin Min Daily News, a 70-year-old resident revealed that despite the numbers, everyone attempted to practice safe distancing.

The crowd also dispersed once the procession went around the block.

Other Cases

This is not the first time that a funeral wake has been “online-shamed” for the possible breach of safe distancing measures.

In May last year, a woman thought that it would be a good idea to upload a rant about a funeral wake.

She started off her post with “not trying to be racist”.

She observed that the wake had been held for “3 or 5 days” and that “8 to 10 tables” were bunched together with visitors sitting close to each other.

She went on to say that she “bet that not all are from the same household”, and she could see people not wearing their masks properly because they were drinking and smoking.

The accusations were later addressed by a relative of the wake, who added that throughout the wake, they were exceptionally conscious about their actions given the sensitive time, and the posting of footage online is exactly what they’re afraid of.

If you were to spot any breach of safe distancing measures, instead of taking pictures and circulating them online, you’re encouraged to make a report through the relevant app instead.

In the deceased’s final moments, they should at least be allowed to go with dignity.

Read Also: 

• Police Investigating Video of People Shouting Gang Chants in Havelock Road Funeral Procession
• Nearly 200 People Attended A Funeral in Boon Lay; 14 Arrested for Suspected Gang Involvement

Featured Image: Facebook (Beatrice Yan)