Hong Kong authorities will release 16,150 new public columbarium niches from Monday, with 6,050 located in a smoke-free facility where the burning of joss sticks and incense offerings will be prohibited on its grounds.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department made the announcement on Wednesday, encouraging residents to apply online for random computer balloting that will take place in the third quarter of the year, with the results to be released on the same day.

“I must emphasise that the Shek Mun Columbarium is completely smoke-free and the place will not be equipped with joss stick burning and incense offering fixtures,” said Jacqueline Ho Yuen-man, an assistant director of the department.

“This was in response to the requests of the residents in the neighbourhood, as well as the reminder from the Sha Tin District Council to make environmental-friendliness a principle in putting the facility in place.”

According to the department, Hong Kong residents will have a month from Monday to apply for the 4,000 standard niches and 50 large ones at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI, as well as the 6,000 standard niches and 50 large ones at Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium and Shek Mun Columbarium.

A standard niche, suitable for one or more sets of cremated ashes, will cost HK$2,400 (US$307) for a 20-year period, with an additional HK$1,200 for each subsequent decade. A large niche, accommodating three or more sets of cremated ashes, will cost HK$3,000 for 20 years, followed by HK$1,500 for each additional decade.

The Wo Hop Shek and Cape Collinson-San Ha facilities have a 50 per cent smoke-free policy, with authorities reminding the applicants that should they wish to pay respects with any burnt offerings, they should not choose Shek Mun Columbarium.