SINGAPORE — Shipyard worker Suresh Nadesan used to visit Little India about twice a month to meet family and friends and enjoy a meal, remit money home and buy groceries.

Now, with the crackdown on consumption and sale of alcohol in the area following the riot on Dec 8, as well as the reduction in the number of trips made by private bus services to Little India, he expects to do so less often.

“It is the biggest inconvenience now. Last time, the bus service was 20 minutes, now getting here by train takes an hour. I will probably come here much less frequently now,” said Mr Nadesan, 27, referring to the 25 bus services that run between Little India and various foreign worker dormitories.

Most workers interviewed by TODAY yesterday said the revised rules were too restrictive, and to “stay out of trouble”, they would stay away from the area. Some said they would drink in their rented rooms or at areas around their dormitories, for now. Mr Sridhar, 28,said: “I will drink outside my dormitory, but not in my room, as it’s not allowed.” One worker, who did not want to be named, said he might go to the Lavender area instead.

Others felt that despite the restrictions, they would eventually make the trip to Little India,to socialise, make use of the services in the area — and also because alcohol is sold more cheaply there. “Here, one can would cost S$3.50, but outside (the area), it would cost S$6.50. Those who drink will still come back here. We will just buy alcohol before 8pm,” said construction worker Subbiah Sekar, 41, who rents a room in Serangoon.

A 35-year-old Indian systems analyst, who only wanted to be known as Christopher and who goes to Little India twice a week, felt the duration of the measures were too harsh. “I would prefer three months, instead of six. Also, why impose these rules on Saturdays? Most people only come on Sundays,” he said.

Construction worker Rajendran Rajesh, 28, felt that many would come back to the area after a few months, due to a matter of habit. Another Indian worker, who only wanted to be known as Kamal, supported this view, saying he did not have “the habit of drinking in other places”. Adding that he was “a bit upset” by the clampdown on activities in Little India, he said: “A small group of people created the problem that caused the ban and affected everyone else. Most of us respect Singapore law, so they should not punish everyone else.”

The Ministry of Manpower yesterday noted that there are four recreation centres — SCAL Recreation Centre, Penjuru Recreation Centre, Woodlands Recreation Centre and Kaki Bukit Recreation Centre — for workers, with sports facilities and supermarkets, ethnic food, barbers, telecommunication shops and remittance services. The ministry is also encouraging major dorm operators to provide more recreational activities for their residents. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY TIARA HAMARIAN