Bazaar opens for business
Crowds thronged the Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar after it was officially opened last night.
The bazaar, which runs until June 24, will have about 1,000 stalls.
Heavy traffic is expected along Changi Road and Sims Avenue during this period, the police said. Motorists are advised to avoid the affected roads and make alternative travel arrangements.
The stalls selling items such as food, decorations and traditional costumes set up around Geylang Serai Market, Joo Chiat Complex and Haig Road.
The stalls include Macarons.sg, which sells Singapore’s only halal-certified macarons; Soi Coco, which sells coconut puddings and shakes; and The Kopi Kia, which sells multi-coloured shakes based on local coffee shop drinks.
The opening ceremony guest of honour, Marine Parade GRC MP Fatimah Lateef toured the bazaar and greeted stall owners and distributing stickers advising them on personal hygiene practices.
Organisers said around 1.4 million visitors are expected for the duration of the bazaar.
Mr Eric Wong, chairman of the Geylang Serai Citizens Consultative Committee, said there have not been increased security concerns at the bazaar compared with previous years.
“The number of patrols carried out is about the same,” he said, referring to regular patrols of the bazaar by grassroots leaders to ensure order.
“Every grassroots leader has the opportunity to do some ground-sensing. We cannot fully depend on the (security) agencies, because they cannot be everywhere.”
Stall owners whom The Straits Times spoke to said they were enticed to set up shop due to increased interest in the bazaar since last year.
“It’s now more like a place where youngsters can chill out and there are more artisanal brands too,” said Ms Yan Pei Shan, 22, founder of Soi Coco.
Mr Kevin Teo, 37, executive chef of Macarons.sg said: “I think it’s going to be more crowded than last year. With the publicity, it will attract not just more Muslim crowds, but also those of other races.”
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
