NDP 2025: Enhanced security measures to be put in place around the Padang
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The area around the Padang on Aug 9 will be designated as a special event area, with stringent security measures to ensure public safety.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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- Security tightened in Clarke Quay, Bras Basah, and Gardens by the Bay for NDP 2025.
- Prohibited items include weapons, flammable materials, drones, and items publicising causes, with potential fines for offenders.
- Drone flying is strictly banned; offenders disrupting NDP 2025 may face prosecution and fines, even outside the designated area.
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SINGAPORE – Stricter security measures will be in place in areas around the Padang on Aug 9, after the National Day Parade (NDP) 2025 was declared an enhanced security special event.
In a news release on July 29, the police said the area around the Padang – where the NDP will be held – has been designated a special event area, where stringent security measures will be put in place to ensure public safety.
This area includes Clarke Quay, Bras Basah and Gardens by the Bay.
Within the area, a special zone – of which City Hall, Raffles Place and Marina Bay are a part of – has also been demarcated as where enhanced security checks will be conducted.
Checks will be conducted on all people and vehicles entering or within this zone, and the police will have the authority to refuse entry to or remove individuals from the zone, they said.
The enhanced measures will be in effect on Aug 9 from midnight to 11.59pm.
The police said it is an offence to bring prohibited items such as weapons, flammable materials, aerosol paint containers and unmanned aircraft, including drones, into a special event area.
They added that members of the public will be subject to security checks.
On the list of banned objects is also anything that contains references meant to publicise a cause or “demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group or government”. Objects include banners, flags, placards and umbrellas, said the police.
Anyone found in possession of such items may be arrested and face a fine of up to $20,000, up to 12 months’ jail, or both. The items will also be seized.
The police have powers to deny entry to or remove individuals from the area if necessary.
The flying of unmanned aircraft is strictly prohibited within the special event area. Offenders may be prosecuted even if the drone is flown outside the designated area, but in a way that disrupts, interferes with, or delays the conduct of NDP 2025.
If found guilty, offenders may be fined up to $20,000 or jailed for up to 12 months, or both. The unmanned aircraft will also be seized.
The police added that the exemptions for public assemblies or processions at the Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park – which falls within the special event area – will be temporarily revoked for the day.
From midnight to 11.59pm on Aug 9, such activities will not be allowed without a police permit. A public entertainment licence will also be required for entertainment activities held there during this period.
Members of the public are advised to cooperate fully with all police instructions and are reminded that any activity compromising safety and security in the area will be dealt with firmly under the law.
