Ci Yuan Community Club (CC) is reviewing its crowd management procedures after a surge during ticket sales for its $1 Marketplace event sparked public criticism and required police intervention.
The incident, which took place on 17 April, has also drawn attention due to the timing of the event during Singapore’s election campaign period.
The $1 Marketplace, scheduled for 27 April, falls within the official campaign window from 23 April to 3 May. The writ of election was issued recently, with polling day set for 3 May.
Though the event is organised under the People’s Association (PA), which is supposedly non-partisan, such community activities are often scrutinised during elections for their potential influence on voter perception, especially when they involve material handouts.
Ci Yuan CC, part of the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), began ticket sales for the event on 17 April. According to the club, the accidental removal of a queue-pole belt resulted in a “chaotic situation” as the crowd surged forward.
A video uploaded by a member of the public, who claimed to have queued since early morning, described the incident as “the worst planning I have ever encountered.”
The post criticised organisers for failing to manage the crowd and allowing queue-cutting, stating that police had to be called in to disperse the gathering.
“The safety of our residents is of utmost importance. We will review our crowd management procedures to prevent such incidents from recurring,” Ci Yuan CC said in a public statement on 18 April.
All tickets were sold by noon on the day, the CC added, thanking residents for their cooperation and apologising for the unpleasant experience.
Videos circulated online showed people pushing forward, waving cash and mobile phones in the air, while staff at the reception area tried to restore order. Police officers were later seen managing the scene.
The $1 Marketplace is part of the club’s SG60 campaign, launched in March to foster community participation and provide subsidised household items at S$1. The campaign is designed to mark 60 years of community development.
However, the timing of this particular event has sparked broader discussion.
Observers note that hosting such a handout-based event during the campaign period could raise concerns about the use of state-linked organisations for activities that may affect electoral sentiment, even if unintentionally.
Community centres under the PA operate separately from political parties, but their alignment with grassroots advisers—often affiliated with the ruling People’s Action Party—can give rise to perceptions of bias, particularly during elections.
Public concerns over the event’s organisation have focused on crowd control, fairness in ticket distribution, and transparency. Some have called for clearer queuing protocols and the use of digital systems to prevent overcrowding and ensure orderly access.
As the election campaign progresses, further scrutiny may be placed on community events held during this period, particularly those involving direct public benefit.
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