SINGAPORE — Despite the tightened security measures put in place for yesterday’s National Day Parade (NDP), parade-goers said entry to the National Stadium was smooth, as they lauded the effort that went into ensuring there was no undue waiting time.

Police officers, including personnel from the Special Operations Command, were seen patrolling the vicinity of the venue at every turn, with some leading police dogs.

One stepped-up measure was the distribution of transparent bags before security checkpoints outside the stadium, into which spectators had to place their metallic objects. There were also signs informing the public of prohibited items such as knives, cans and scissors. Each security checkpoint was manned by three to four security officers who conducted thorough checks on bags after each spectator went through a metal detector.

While some turned up four hours before the stadium was opened to spectators at 2.30pm, the crowd flow was little different from the National Education shows, in which Primary 5 students watch rehearsals, and previews, said a marshall who declined to be named.

Ms Sarah Tan, who attended the parade with her husband, said they queued for only about 15 minutes. “It was quite smooth. We were reminded before entering to remove any metal objects in our pockets,” said the 28-year-old homemaker.

Retiree Lee Yong Choon, 66, applauded the consideration shown to the elderly, who had priority queues. The crowd control was “good and systematic” and people knew where to go, he added.

Parade-goers said they appreciated the need for enhanced security measures for the NDP in light of the string of recent terror attacks in other countries, as well as the arrest of several men last Friday by the Indonesian authorities over an alleged plot to fire rockets at Marina Bay from Batam.

“With all the terrorist threats happening around the world now, it is good that they have enhanced screening,” said 25-year-old undergraduate Syafiuddin Isa, who attended the parade with his friends. “Having a greater police presence is also a form of deterrence.”

Civil servant Ong Yee Chwan, 30, added: “The NDP is a large-scale event. Security has to be tight.”

On Monday, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said there would be enhanced land, air and sea security measures for the NDP, as well as for future key events, as he called on Singaporeans to prepare themselves to live under a prolonged threat of terrorism.

Among the measures put in place for this year’s NDP was the gazetting of the National Stadium, which allowed the Home Team agencies and Singapore Armed Forces to check vehicles and individuals, as well as put exclusion zones in place.

The Navy and Police Coast Guard also stepped up patrols, while aerial defences were beefed up.