SINGAPORE — From Saturday (April 10), visitors to Lucky Plaza and Peninsula Plaza will no longer be subjected to odd-even entry restrictions based on the last digit of their identification number. The authorities, however, stressed that visitors should not rush to these malls immediately or visit during peak hours.

In a statement on Friday, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and trade agency Enterprise Singapore (ESG) said that they have lifted the weekend entry restrictions due to the “improvements in the crowding situation at both malls”.

The entry restrictions to the malls on weekends— popular among foreign domestic workers here — were implemented in August last year to manage crowds in public spaces. 

This was to ensure the safety of visitors and businesses during peak periods when persistent crowding and long queues were observed at the two high-traffic malls.

STB and ESG said that they have observed “improvements” at the two venues during peak periods on weekends over the last few months.

At Lucky Plaza on Orchard Road, the government agencies noted that there was better queue management along the thoroughfare of the mall with no disruption to pedestrian flow.

Better management of pedestrian traffic was also observed around the perimeter of Peninsula Plaza along North Bridge Road, with extra efforts by the mall operator to “redesign and improve the queue system at entry points”.

Both malls also saw reduced crowding around and within their perimeters due to the operators’ efforts to prevent congregation, STB and ESG said.

They noted that the two malls have also demonstrated greater compliance with the safe management measures in place.

“For instance, the number of composition fines issued to businesses and individuals have decreased by 70 per cent, compared to before the implementation of the entry restrictions,” they said.

The agencies stressed that visitors should not rush to these malls, and should instead plan their visits during weekdays or non-peak periods on weekends to avoid a longer waiting time to enter.

The authorities warned that they will continue to closely monitor the crowd situation at both malls and “will reimpose entry restrictions if necessary”.

STB and ESG said that although restrictions are eased for economic and community activities, businesses and individuals must remain vigilant and adhere to all prevailing safety regulations.

Government agencies will continue to step up enforcement checks to ensure that people comply with the rules.

Under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, first-time offenders can be fined up to S$10,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both. Subsequent offenders face harsher penalties.

STB and ESG warned that businesses that do not comply with safety rules may also be ineligible for government grants, loans, tax rebates and other assistance.

“Members of the public are also reminded to comply with safe management measures at all times, even for those who are vaccinated against Covid-19,” they said.