Singapore police warn lockdowns may be needed to limit visitor numbers at CNY Bazaar in Chinatown

January 13, 2023

Singapore police warn lockdowns may be needed to limit visitor numbers at CNY Bazaar in Chinatown

SINGAPORE, Jan 13 — Anticipating large crowds for the Chinese New Year Bazaar in Chinatown which runs until Jan 21, the eve of the holiday, the police said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 12) that diversions to access to the bazaar may be implemented if needed.

If safety thresholds are reached at the bazaar, the first to be held for Chinese New Year for three years, specific areas would be locked down, the police added. Crowd diversions were used during the recent Marina Bay New Year celebrations.

The last Chinese New Year bazaar was held in 2020, just at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was cancelled in 2021 and 2022.

The police also advised members of the public intending to visit Chinatown during two periods between Jan 13 and Jan 15, and between Jan 20 and Jan 21 to make use of the Crowd@Chinatown online map so that they can view real-time crowd levels to avoid crowded areas.

The map is not operating yet but users will be able to access the application their computers and mobile devices from 6pm on those dates.

To ensure the safety and security of the public, the police also said that they would deploy their officers, auxiliary police officers and security officers for anti-crime and crowd management in Chinatown.

Also, Chinatown’s Temple Street will be closed to vehicular traffic during the following periods periods:

Mondays to Thursdays from 3pm to 11pm
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 12am
Saturday, Jan 21, which is Chinese New Year’s Eve, from 10am until 2am on Jan 22

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The police said that during these periods of closure, access will be granted only to police and emergency vehicles. Auxiliary police officers will be deployed to assist and direct motorists.

It added that parking restrictions will be strictly enforced, and vehicles found parking and causing obstruction will be towed.

The police recommended that those intending to visit the bazaar consider using Maxwell MRT station (Thomson-East Coast Line), the nearest alternative to Chinatown MRT station along North-East Line and Downtown Line, which is expected to be crowded.

Members of the public are also advised to be patient and to follow the instructions of officers instead of attempting to force their way into crowded or closed-off areas.

They are also advised to safeguard their belongings and be vigilant against molesters and pickpockets.

Sheryl Chua, a lecturer with the Public Safety and Security Programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, said that crowded situations with limited space would pose higher safety risks.

She also noted that crowd behaviour at the bazaar will also differ from the (calendar) New Year’s Eve celebration at Marina Bay as more people will likely be stopping by the stalls to make their purchases, or waiting in line.

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“As such, we might experience a less fluid crowd as compared to the pre and post-New Year crowd movement,” she said.

Mr Toby Koh, group managing director of private security firm Ademco Security Group, said that in comparison to relatively more open spaces such as Marina Bay, roads in Chinatown have limited entrances and exits which he sees would make crowd management more challenging.

“In Chinatown, everyone’s going to be sandwiched in between two rows of shophouses. Also, as it has been the trend for a long time, crowds during the last couple of days would be even more massive,” he said.

Mr Koh also advised those visiting the bazaar to be conscious about how the crowd is being built up, particularly if they are bringing young children.

He suggested that the elderly and others who are not as mobile to avoid the peak hours at night and attend during the day instead.

Mr Koh also recommended that the members of public be aware of the bazaar’s exit points should they get the alarming feeling of being stuck inside the bazaar.

“It is best to move calmly and automatically. There is no need to panic and scream as that might cause other people around you to panic as well,” he said.

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Agreeing, Chua said that people who are attending should also be aware of their own risk factors and vulnerability to crowd incidents, such as people with respiratory ailments.

The police added in their statement on Thursday that everyone has a critical role to play in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore.

They also advised the public to remain vigilant and adopt the following crime prevention measures:

Look after your belongings at all times;
Be cautious when approached by strangers who try to get very close to you;
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing excessive jewellery to crowded places;
Ensure your bag is closed at all times and sling it in front of you;
Avoid placing your wallet in your back pocket
Avoid contact or confrontation with unruly crowds
Those requiring urgent assistance should approach any police officer or dial 999

Anyone with information on suspicious persons or activities are called upon to contact the Internal Security Department at 1800-2626-473 or the police at 999, or SMS to 71999, or submit the information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

Members of the public can also download the SGSecure App from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to provide information to the authorities. — TODAY