Large crowds are expected in Little India during the Deepavali celebrations, especially on the eve of Deepavali on 30 October 2024 (Wednesday). Heavy vehicular and human traffic are expected along Serangoon Road during this period.
Members of the public are advised to safeguard their belongings, exercise vigilance, and adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Always look after your belongings especially in crowded areas;
- Ensure your bag is always closed and sling it in front;
- Avoid placing your wallet in your back pocket; and
- Approach any police officer or dial ‘999’ for urgent police assistance.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
As heavy vehicular traffic is expected along Serangoon Road, motorists are advised to use alternative routes and to drive with caution.
The pedestrian crossing at Birch Road, in front of Anguilla Mosque will be closed from 4.00pm on 30 October 2024 (Wednesday) to 4.00am on 31 October 2024 (Thursday). The nearest alternate pedestrian crossing will be near Kitchener Link or near Baboo Lane. During this period, the pedestrian crossing at Campbell Lane may be closed if required. If so, the alternate pedestrian crossing will be near Sungei Road or near Dunlop Street. These closures are to ensure crowd and traffic management, for the safety of pedestrians and road users.
There will be directional signs displayed at all the affected pedestrian crossings to guide members of the public to the nearest alternate pedestrian crossing. Auxiliary Police officers will also be deployed along the affected roads and junctions to regulate traffic and assist members of the public.
Restrictions On Consumption of Liquor
Under the provisions of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, both Little India and Geylang are declared as Liquor Control Zone (LCZ). The public should be mindful of the period during which no public drinking is allowed within a LCZ, which will be from 7.00pm on 30 October 2024 (Wednesday) to 7.00am on 1 November 2024 (Friday).
The Little India LCZ boundary map▼
The no public drinking periods in a LCZ are summarised in the table below:
Persons found consuming liquor in any public place within a LCZ during the prescribed no public drinking periods will face enhanced penalties. Offenders are liable on conviction, to a fine of up to $1,500; and where the individual is a repeat offender, to a fine of up to $3,000 or to an imprisonment term of up to 4.5 months, or to both.
Errant retailers who supply liquor beyond the permitted trading hours may have their liquor licences revoked.
Illegal Discharge of Fireworks
From January 2023 to September 2024, there were a total of 45 persons investigated for offences related to the possession, discharge, and importation of fireworks.
The Police will take strict enforcement action against offenders who possess, discharge, or import fireworks illegally. Such illegal discharge of fireworks poses serious danger to the public and their properties. Illegal possession of fireworks is an offence under Section 3(1) (a) of the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 punishable by an imprisonment term of up to two years or with a fine up to $5,000, or both. Illegal discharge of fireworks is an offence under Section 3(1) (b) of the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 punishable by an imprisonment term of up to two years or with a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000, or both. Lastly, illegal importation of fireworks is a serious offence under Section 4(1) of the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 punishable by an imprisonment term of not less than six months and not more than two years, and with caning of up to six strokes.
Misuse of Sparklers
Similarly, the Police take a serious view of anyone who misuses sparklers, such as combining multiple sparklers together at once. Such acts are potential fire hazards which can cause undue danger and alarm to the public. Anyone caught misusing sparklers will be liable to an offence of rash or negligent conduct with respect to dangerous or harmful substance under Section 284 of the Penal Code 1871. Should the act be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person or endanger human life, the offender will be liable to an imprisonment term which may extend to one year, or a fine up to $5,000, or both if convicted. Should the act cause hurt to any other person, the offender will be liable to an imprisonment term which may extend to three years, or a fine, or both if convicted.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
28 October 2024 @ 10:20 PM