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SINGAPORE – It’s been a difficult year for 56-year-old Abdul Rahim Safari.
Like many others, the administration officer had to work longer hours due to the new housekeeping work, and was unable to visit or pray at the mosque during Hari Raya. In addition, he was hospitalized in March for alleged appendix problems.
So celebrating New Years Eve on Thursday (December 31) with his family was something he had been looking forward to.
“The end of the current year will be like the closing of a chapter, starting a new one with the next,” said Yew resident Tee.
He and his family joined the festivities practically this year due to the pandemic.
“We were worried about the crowd, so we preferred to stay home and stay safe while we celebrate,” Abdul Rahim said, adding that his mother-in-law is 86 years old and could have serious complications if she caught Covid. -19.
“This year we have suffered a lot. My (New Year’s) wish is that Singapore is free from Covid-19 and that we can enjoy as we normally do,” he said.
Abdul Rahim and his family were among Singaporeans who ushered in the new year with community countdown programs at heart, which went virtual for the first time.
Several of these included a live broadcast of fireworks displays in the neighborhoods.
Financial consultant Edmund Chua, 45, and his family of four were among the residents who could view the fireworks from their homes.
They had a top-down view of the exhibit from their 44th floor on Henderson Road.
After having gone through a difficult 2020 – his father died in October and he also had to liquidate his travel business – Chua said “the only way to go is up.”
“Hopefully in 2021 we will return to normal and things will get better and better,” he added.
Barricades were seen around the central sites where fireworks were set off, with police and auxiliary officers, as well as community volunteers, helping with crowd control.
In Bishan, people gathered to watch fireworks launched from the open field next to the Junction 8 shopping center. Some arrived prepared with folding chairs, while others simply stood on the wet grass and waited.
One photographer, 24-year-old student Samuel Mok, said that this was his first time celebrating New Year’s Eve in Singapore, having studied abroad in the UK for the past three years.
“I actually like (the celebration of the heart). Let’s say you go to Gardens by the Bay to take photos, it tends to get very crowded and it is often difficult to get public transportation back home. Here it is closer to the most of the residents, and for some of us there are also more options to get home, ”he said.
Dentist Sophia Yee, 33, had been waiting patiently with her camera since 10:30 p.m.
“I don’t mind the quieter celebrations, I don’t usually do much anyway, so the fact that there are fireworks in the neighborhood is nice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tampines residents were able to enjoy an online concert with musical performances and a game show, before the night ended with fireworks streamed from Our Tampines Hub.
The integrated community center was buzzing with activity, with groups of friends and families gathered in the atrium and public spaces.
Retired Tay Hock Lee, 75, was one of the residents who watched the concert in the atrium before crossing the street to watch the fireworks.
“My neighbors and I usually come here during celebrations like National Day and New Years, and it’s great that we can see the fireworks near our houses instead of traveling into town,” he said.
Student Rachel Wong, 17, said there were more people than expected, but she enjoyed the holiday spirit at the community center.
“After a year of so many ups and downs, it’s nice to celebrate a little bit with friends and loved ones, and hopefully in 2021 things will improve,” he said, adding that he hopes leisure travel will resume by the end of the year. .
While the usual fireworks display was absent from Marina Bay this year, the skies were lit up with a special light display.
The collective projection of rays of light, designed to symbolize unity, positivity and resilience, is meant to represent the spirit of Singaporeans as they navigate the pandemic over the past year and the determination to emerge stronger in 2021.
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