Did you visit the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar this year? Police Life finds out how our PNS officers keep the event safe and secure!
By: Seah Hwee Khan
Sergeant (Sgt) (NS) Syed Yahya Bin Syed Abdul Rahman (left) and Sgt (NS) Hidzer Bin Safie, on patrol at the Bazaar. Regular patrols by officers help to ensure public safety and security. PHOTOS: SPF
The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar is typically held annually in the weeks before Hari Raya Puasa. With the easing of COVID-19 safe management measures in 2022, this year’s edition was much larger.
As always, helping to ensure the safety and security of visitors and stallholders alike is the Singapore Police Force. Police Life visited the Bazaar this week to learn how our Police National Service (PNS) officers have been working alongside our regular officers to keep things chill!
Sgt (NS) Syed Yahya and Sgt (NS) Hidzer are part of a team of PNS officers from Bedok Division deployed at the Bazaar. This deployment comprises mostly NSmen who work closely with regular officers from Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre.The Bazaar was crowded with families and friends keen to enjoy the festive spirit. As part of their duties, Sgt (NS) Syed Yahya and Sgt (NS) Hidzer will interact with members of the public and stallholders. In civilian life, Sgt (NS) Syed Yahya is an IT Consultant while Sgt (NS) Hidzer is an officer with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.Officers conduct regular patrols of the Bazaar from 5pm into the early hours of the morning. Sgt (NS) Syed Yahya and Sgt (NS) Hidzer look forward to playing their part as NS officers. “I enjoy the camaraderie among our fellow PNSmen,” said Sgt (NS) Syed Yahya.As in previous years, Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers from Bedok Division were also deployed at the Bazaar. The ERT comprises selected officers from Police Land Divisions who serve as the first wave of responders to safety and security-related incidents. ERT officers are trained in counter-assault skills and equipped to deal with armed threats. Together with the PNS officers, they conducted regular patrols at the Bazaar to help safeguard safety and security.Among those who visited the Bazaar this week was Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development. He met with officers and thanked them for their efforts.We took our leave as the officers proceeded to another busy section of the Bazaar. “It’s good to see the Bazaar return again,” shared Sgt (NS) Syed Yahya. “What I like about it is that it helps to bring many communities together, including our team of PNS officers.”