SINGAPORE - As fireworks exploded at midnight over the Esplanade Bridge in the Marina Bay area, welcoming 2023, Mr Leon Lai rose to his feet with his five-month-old daughter in his arms.
He was among thousands of revellers crammed along Esplanade Bridge to the Merlion Park, in the Marina Bay area, on Saturday night. “We would usually stay home and watch the New Year festivities on TV. But this year feels special for us to be able to come here, especially after Covid-19.” The police, who had expected 500,000 revellers to turn up at the Marina Bay area, had deployed drones to keep tabs on crowd size and movement. The drones had speakers to broadcast sirens and public safety messages, including instructions on what to do in an emergency.Overcrowding was a concern during the festive period following the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush on Oct 29.
Mr Jayden Chong, 25, who was with his parents and girlfriend, said he was surprised by the moderate crowd after his family decided to avoid the Marina Bay area.