SINGAPORE: Visitors to the Chinese New Year bazaar in Chinatown can expect large crowds on some days and potential road closures.
The bazaar will take place from Friday (Jan 19) to Feb 9, the eve of Chinese New Year.
On the weekend before Chinese New Year in particular – between Feb 2 and 4 – those planning to head down are encouraged to check real-time crowd levels first using the Crowd@Chinatown map.
“For crowd safety, diversions to access the bazaar may be implemented. If crowd safety thresholds are reached, specific areas will be locked down,” said the police in a media release on Friday.
“Members of the public are advised to be patient and follow the instructions of officers. They should not push or attempt to force their way into crowded or closed-off areas.”
The Crowd@Chinatown map can be viewed on computers and mobile devices. It will be available from 6pm on Feb 2 to Feb 4. People should avoid the areas marked red on the map and move towards the amber or green areas.
As Chinatown MRT station is expected to be crowded, commuters are advised to consider using Maxwell MRT station.
Police, auxiliary police officers and security officers will be deployed to Chinatown to manage crowds and ensure safety.
The police also reminded people to remain vigilant against the risk of pick-pocketing or molestation.