Ministry waives cremation charges

The Ministry of Civil Affairs has ordered State-run crematoriums in Sichuan province to waive cremation fees for quake victims and give refunds to those who have already paid, an official said on Friday.

Zhang Shifeng, vice-director in charge of cremation at the ministry, was speaking at a press conference in response to online complaints the fees were too high.

"We noted people's complaints and media criticism, and spoke to local civil affairs departments and crematoriums," he said