The Singapore Botanic Gardens would have seen a spike in its visitor numbers, especially in the number of older people, since being declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.

More people seem to be walking and exercising there, too.

Since the incident of the fallen tembusu tree, there has been a visible increase in the number of National Parks Board officers patrolling on foot, besides those in buggies.

I hope these arrangements are permanent.

Visitors feel safer knowing that help is readily available in an emergency.

But more can be done.

A helpline number should be displayed at strategic locations for visitors to use in case of emergencies.

Also, though four automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are placed at various points in the Gardens, equipping patrolling officers with portable AEDs is the way to further enhance safety for visitors, especially when one factors in the size of the Botanic Gardens.

Loong Chik Tong