Marina Bay New Year Countdown: Police Close Parts to Manage Crowds
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) took action on Tuesday, December 31, by closing off parts of Marina Bay in response to “growing crowds” ahead of the highly anticipated New Year countdown event.
Crowd Management Measures
The areas that were closed off include Jubilee Bridge, Merlion Waterfront, and Fullerton Waterfront. This move was made in preparation for the ONE Countdown 2025, the first event in a series commemorating Singapore’s 60 years of independence. Festivities are set to take place at various locations, including Marina Bay, the Singapore Sports Hub, and in the heartlands.
Crowd Regulation
In anticipation of large crowds converging around Marina Bay and Kallang Basin, the police have advised the public to refer to Crowd@MarinaBay and Crowd@Kallang for real-time updates on crowd levels, area closures, and available transport options. The SPF had previously announced plans to control the number of individuals entering key locations such as The Promontory, Merlion Park, Esplanade Park, and various other areas within Marina Bay. Similar crowd control measures have been put in place at Stadium Roar and the Water Sports Centre at Kallang Basin.
Public Safety Reminders
With several roads closed to vehicular traffic, the public is encouraged to utilize public transportation when heading to the Marina Bay area. Certain MRT station entrances and exits may be shut to manage crowd flow, and trains could bypass affected stations to redirect crowds efficiently. As an added precaution, bag checks may be conducted, and partygoers are advised to stick together with friends, remain vigilant against pickpockets and perpetrators, and keep their belongings secure. It is recommended to keep bags closed at all times and positioned in front of the body, while wallets should not be kept in back pockets.
In light of the upcoming New Year celebrations, it is crucial for everyone to play their part in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Let’s come together to welcome the new year with joy and positivity as we bid farewell to the year gone by.