Enhanced security around the Padang for National Day Parade
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The police said that they seek the public’s cooperation in complying with all orders issued by their officers for the NDP.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
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SINGAPORE – Strict security measures will be in place around the Padang on Aug 9 as the National Day Parade (NDP)
Measures in the area, which has been marked as a special event zone, will include checks on individuals to ensure that banned items do not enter the zone, police said on Aug 2.
Chinatown and Bras Basah are among the areas where the security measures will be in place.
Heightened security checks will also be enforced in a demarcated special zone within the event area, including near City Hall and Promenade.
The police will conduct checks and screen all individuals and vehicles entering or within the special zone. The officers will also have the powers to refuse entry to, or remove a person from, the special zone if necessary, police said.
All measures will be in place from midnight to 11.59pm on Aug 9.
Items such as flares, drones and sound amplification devices like loud hailers will be banned in these areas.
On the list of banned objects is anything that contains references meant to publicise a cause or “demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions” of another group. This includes banners, flags, placards and umbrellas, police said.
Those found with prohibited items may be arrested and, if convicted, fined up to $20,000 or jailed for up to 12 months, or both. The items will also be seized.
The police added that it is an offence to fly an unmanned aircraft outside the special event area in a manner that disrupts, interferes with, delays or obstructs the conduct of the parade.
Anyone who does so may be arrested. If found guilty, offenders may be fined up to $20,000 or jailed for up to 12 months, or both.
As the Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park is inside the special event area, exemptions given for public assemblies or public processions there will be temporarily revoked, unless a police permit is obtained.
Exemptions for the provision of public entertainment there will also be temporarily revoked.
The police said that they seek the public’s cooperation in complying with all orders issued by their officers for the NDP.
They added: “Persons who engage in activities that compromise safety and security within the special event area or the special zone will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.”
