Singapore Malls Turn into Pre‑pandemic Party Room
Just a week before the big phase 3 launch on Dec 28, shoppers packed the city’s malls like it was a 2019 Christmas. Even while the government kept a stern eye on crowds, people were hauling their last‑minute gifts, snacks, and holiday cheer.
Unsettling “Missing the Safety Net” Feeling
- Mr Muhammad Faiz (23) at Bugis Junction: “It’s busy. Seeing everyone rush like the pandemic’s gone—it’s scary. You never know who might be the carrier, and it’s a close‑quarters fight.”
- Aisyah Daman (30), housewife: “Feels like everyone’s already in phase 3. We’re just treating it like normal.”
- Education Minister Lawrence Wong warned that the festive season would see folks letting their guard down.
- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: “This is absolutely not the time to relax; the problem hasn’t disappeared.”
High‑Footfall Inside Orchard & Bugis
Despite rumours that 13 stay‑home notice residents at Mandarin Orchard might be infected, shoppers stormed Ion Orchard: 20‑strong queues outside JD Sports and Muji. Daiso days were packed with baskets of Christmas goodies—according to a 33‑year‑old healthcare worker (who hid her name), “It felt so crowded I thought the AC was off.”
At 313 @ Somerset, a 29‑year‑old – “Serene” – shrugged off the noise: “New sales, festive mood, catching up with friends. We’re heading into phase 3 soon; no worries.”
Bugis Junction reported surge in footfall and sales over the first two weekend streaks. Though staff and shoppers tried to keep a meter’s distance, the chaos was real.
Family and Friends Brave the Crowd
- Ms Asikin Said (35) at Toys ’R Us in VivoCity: “I usually order online, but with holiday delivery delays, I took my 3‑year‑old son out.” She adds, “We’re heading home after this; it’s just too hectic.”
In the end, while festive vibes were high, Singapore’s nerves were too; with phase 3 just around the corner, the city’s mall‑mugging moment might just be a prelude to stricter rules.
<img alt="" data-caption="Shoppers at Bugis Junction on Dec 19, 2020.
PHOTO: The Straits Times” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”db2bf77d-3125-438e-bddf-d4680252dbe0″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20201221_shoppersatbugisjunction_st.jpg”/>
Singapore Shoppers Brave the Post‑Pandemic Jungle
Ms Aisyah, who was strolling around Bugis Junction with her family, admitted she isn’t feeling 100 % safe. “But life’s gotta have a little fun, so we’re gonna hit the mall. We’re okay with a bit of risk as long as we keep our masks on and practice good hygiene. I triple‑check that my 10‑month‑old daughter doesn’t touch the glittery shelves.”
The govt’s not backing down either—safe‑distancing ambassadors are still on patrol, turning into living crowd‑control mascots. And retailers are tightening up their game plans, installing man‑ned entries and extra cleaning bling.
Top points worth noting:
- Ambassadors in Action: They were spotted ’sparingly’ at the busiest malls—VivoCity and Bugis Junction. Their microphones rang out over the public address system, echoing: “Keep distance, keep masks, stay healthy.”
- The Lendlease Team: Ms Jenny Khoo, Singapore head of asset operations for the group handling malls like 313 and JEM, says: “We’ll stick with a boosted cleaning regime and crowd‑management tactics—directing shoppers via manned entrances and sending in security for those congested spots.”
- Typo’s Typing of the Times: Ms Aqilah Salahudin, a Typo sales assistant in Bugis, expects footfall to stay heavy with schools opening and Chinese New Year looming. She’s been reminding shoppers to keep their distance, adding: “With Covid‑19, you never know what’s around the corner. We must shoulder that risk.”
So, while the world is still hustling for the next wave of C‑3‑Predators, Singapore’s malls remain a buzzing, mask‑full fun zone for those ready to step into the crowd—just remember to stand at least two beds apart, mask on, and smile at the polite bots keeping your distance.
For fresh updates on the coronavirus, snap into the latest news. This piece first hit the pages of Straits Times. Remember: permission is required for any reposting.
