Large crowds are expected in Little India for the period of Deepavali celebrations, especially on the eve of Deepavali on 11 November 2023 (Saturday). 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;
- Be cautious when approached by strangers who get very close to you;
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, valuables or wearing excessive jewellery to crowded places;
- 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, (alternate pedestrian crossing will be near Kitchener Link or near Baboo Lane) will be closed from 4.00pm on 11 November 2023 (Saturday) to 4.00am on 12 November 2023 (Sunday). During this period, the pedestrian crossing at Campbell Lane (alternate pedestrian crossing will be near Sungei Road or near Dunlop Street) may be closed if required. These closures are to ensure crowd and traffic management, for the safety of pedestrians and road users.
There will be directional signs available at the affected pedestrian crossings pointing members of the public to the next nearest pedestrian crossings. Auxiliary Police Officers will 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). As the eve of Deepavali falls on a Saturday, the public should be mindful of the period during which no public drinking is allowed within a LCZ, which will be from 10.30pm on 10 November (Friday) to 7.00am on 14 November (Tuesday).
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 S$1,500; and where the individual is a repeat offender, to a fine of up to S$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.
Abusing Sparklers or Discharging Fireworks Illegally
From 2020 to September 2023, there were a total of 45 persons investigated for offences related to the possession, discharge, and importation of fireworks.
The Police also take a serious view of anyone who sets off improvised explosive devices constructed using sparklers. Such acts and devices are potential fire hazards which cause undue danger and alarm to the public. Anyone caught setting off such improvised explosive devices will be liable to an offence of negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances under Section 284 of the Penal Code 1871, punishable by an imprisonment term of up to one year or a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Should the act lead to any hurt caused, one may be liable to prosecution for voluntarily causing hurt with heated or explosive substances under Section 324 of the Penal Code 1871. If convicted, offenders will be liable to an imprisonment term or up to seven years, or a fine, or caning, or any combination of such punishments.
Similarly, the Police will take strict enforcement action against offenders who possess or discharge 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. The importation of fireworks is also 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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
08 November 2023 @ 7:35 PM