No drones allowed in Marina Bay area on Aug 9 amid tightened security

SINGAPORE — Don't bring a drone to the Marina Bay area or try to fly one there on National Day next week if you don't have a permit.

That is because the area has been designated a "Special Event Area" with tighter security, with this year's National Day Parade returning to The Float @ Marina Bay, the police said in a press release on Wednesday (Aug 2).

"Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including drones are prohibited within the Special Event Area. It is an offence to bring or fly UAVs into the Special Event Area without a valid permit," the statement added.

The police further warned that it would also be an offence to fly a UAV outside of the Special Event Area "in a manner that disrupts, interferes with, delays or obstructs the conduct of (the parade)".

Those who flout the rules may be arrested and have their drones seized. If convicted, they could be jailed for up to 12 months, fined up to $20,000, or both.

The authorities have detected 12 such breaches by UAVs during this year's parade rehearsals, according to the statement, which said the cases had been "referred to the authorities for investigations". It gave no further details.

An advanced radar system, which is able to detect and track even small consumer drones within a radius of 5km, was recently installed near the Singapore Flyer.

The "Special Event Area" on Aug 9 covers areas such as Gardens by the Bay, Circular Road, North Bridge Road, Victoria Street, and parts of Nicoll Highway and East Coast Parkway.

A special zone closer to The Float @ Marina Bay, and within the "Special Event Area", has also been designated by the police for stricter security checks.

Prohibited items in the special event area include flares, pyrotechnics, arms, noxious or offensive substances, aerosol paint containers, loud hailers, flags or banners larger than one metre by one metre, and flammable materials, the police said.

Anyone found in possession of such items may be arrested and upon conviction, be liable for a jail term of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.

Security checks and screenings will be conducted by the police on all persons and vehicles entering, or within the Special Zone.

The security restrictions may also apply on Aug 12, which is the reserve date for this year's parade.

Organisers of all public assemblies and processions within the Special Event Area, whether indoors or outdoors, must apply for permits from the police at: https://www.police.gov.sg/e-services/apply/licenses-and-permits