SINGAPORE — Marina Bay Sands (MBS) will be shifting the remainder of its popular "dragon drone" shows an hour later, following reports of overcrowding over the Chinese New Year weekend.

In a statement on Tuesday (Feb 13), MBS said it was doing so to "optimise the viewing experience and to better regulate traffic flow".

All remaining shows this Thursday, Friday and Sunday will start at 9pm, instead of 8pm. 

The show scheduled for this Saturday will take place on Thursday instead.

"If there is inclement weather, the 9pm show will be rescheduled to 10pm, should the weather conditions be optimal at that time," said MBS.

The 10-minute dragon drone show features 1,500 drones forming a dragon over Marina Bay to celebrate Chinese New Year and is jointly organised by the Singapore Tourism Board, MBS and UOB.

MBS' statement comes after several attendees raised concerns on social media about crowd control during the first performance on Feb 10.

CNA reported that there were "massive throngs of people" at MBS and that staff members were unable to handle the crowds.

Audience members were said to have rushed into the shopping mall when it started to rain, and "everyone was almost standstill crushed", wrote Facebook user Carolyn Leo in a public post.

"Zero announcement or security measures when the crowd started getting crushed and yelling at people to stop moving.

"When the situation was already escalating instead of stopping the show, it continued, prompting people to continue to stop and block exits."

The first show, which was slated to start on Feb 6, was postponed to Feb 10 due to "unforeseen circumstances", MBS had announced earlier.

MBS later said it would step up crowd control measures on show dates, such as closing the mall entrances and exits located on Level 1 progressively from 5pm to 10pm to avoid overcrowding.

Depending on the crowds, MBS may close the Bayfront MRT Exit D for arriving guests, according to its website.

It also advised visitors to consider viewing the show at different locations along the Marina Bay waterfront.