Large crowds are expected in Chinatown for the Chinese New Year Bazaar which is held from 1 January (Sunday) to 21 January 2023 (Saturday), the eve of Chinese New Year.
Police officers, auxiliary police officers and security officers will be deployed for anti-crime and crowd management in Chinatown, to ensure the safety and security of the public.
Temple Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the Chinese New Year Bazaar during the stipulated periods:
- Weekdays (Mondays to Thursdays) – 3pm to 11pm
- Weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) – 12pm to 12am
- 21 January 2023 (Chinese New Year Eve) – 10am to 2am (the following day)
During the closure, access will only be granted to police and emergency vehicles. Auxiliary police officers will be deployed to assist and direct motorists. Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced, and vehicles found parking and causing obstruction will be towed.
As Chinatown MRT station (North-East Line, Downtown Line) is expected to be crowded, commuters are advised to consider using Maxwell MRT station (Thomson-East Coast Line), which is the nearest alternative MRT station.
Members of the public intending to visit Chinatown between 13 – 15 January, and 20 – 21 January can also check out the Crowd@Chinatown map found on https://go.gov.sg/crowd-at-chinatown to view real-time crowd levels and to avoid crowded areas. Users will be able to access Crowd@Chinatown via their computers and mobile devices from 6pm on the abovementioned dates.
For crowd safety, diversions to access the bazaar may be implemented. If crowd safety thresholds are reached, specific areas will be locked down. Members of the public are advised to be patient and to follow the instructions of officers; they should not attempt to force their way into crowded or closed-off areas.
With large crowds expected, members of the public are also advised to safeguard their belongings and be vigilant against molesters and pickpockets.
While the Police have implemented enhanced security measures, everyone has a critical role to play in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore. The Police would like to remind 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; and
- Approach any police officer or dial ‘999’ for urgent assistance.
As we enjoy the festivities, we urge everyone to #StayAlert, #StayUnited and #StayStrong in our fight against crime and terrorism. Anyone with information on suspicious persons or activities can 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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
12 January 2023 @ 10:00 AM