Chinanews.com, February 7th. According to Singapore’s “Lianhe Zaobao” report, Singapore’s Chinatown lighting turned off on Fridays, weekends and New Year’s Eve in order to better manage the crowds. However, on the evening of the 5th, the crowds in Chinatown continued to flow.
Many people interviewed said that they came to Chinatown mainly to buy New Year's goods, while admiring the lights was just a second, so turning off the lights would have little effect on them.
On the evening of the 5th, the crowds in Chinatown remained the same. Many members of the public entered Pagoda Street from Exit A of Chinatown MRT Station to buy Chinese New Year goods.
Many law enforcement officers also reminded the public to wear masks and keep a safe distance in Pagoda Street.
Mrs. Chen (70 years old, retired) who lives in the Clementi area, will go to Chinatown with her husband every year during the Spring Festival to buy Chinese New Year goods.
"This year there are fewer New Year goods sold near my home, so I will come to Chinatown several times to see if there are any New Year goods to buy. It makes no difference to me whether there are lights on, because I mainly come to buy some food and There are decorations."
Ms. Fu (63 years old, factory employee) said that she deliberately took time off to go shopping and buy Chinese New Year goods in Chinatown.
"I think lighting is second. I mainly come to Chinatown to buy Chinese New Year goods and feel the atmosphere of the New Year, not to watch the lights."
Lin Meiqing (60 years old, engineer) took her family to Chinatown for dinner and New Year goods.
He said that although turning off the lights has no effect on him, he also hopes that this measure can help reduce crowds.
"Maybe those who come to see the lights know that the lights will be turned off this weekend and New Year's Eve, and they decide not to come, so there will be less crowds."