Industrial buildings may be converted to solve the columbarium shortage.

Speaking to the press after being on a radio programme today, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow said the factory conversion is one of the innovative ideas the Government is considering to boost columbarium places.

He said it has been looking for new places to build columbaria, but has been getting opposition from residents and District Councils whenever a suitable location is found.

Implementing the idea of using industrial buildings for columbarium services will be a hard task, he said, requiring various government departments to scrutinise their policies and ensure residents' support.