By Claire Huang, Channel NewsAsia, 6 Apr 2014
It's the first weekend since the Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Act kicked in on 1 April 2014.
The law, which was passed in Parliament on 18 February 2014, gives the police more powers to deal with potential public order threats, by allowing them to conduct searches, among other things.
The temporary provision, which will expire on 31 March 2015, enables relevant government agencies to continue to take calibrated security, traffic management and alcohol restriction measures to maintain public order at Little India.
It's business as usual at Little India despite the new law taking effect.
The new law replaces the Public Order (Preservation) Act to proclaim Little India as an area in a state of danger.
However, there is no change to the current restrictions against the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in the area.
But not many foreign workers are aware that the new law is in place.
Other foreign workers are more concerned about the issue of transportation.
Mr Mah Mamun, a foreign worker, lamented that the new transport arrangement is good but the buses come too early, and he does not have enough time to remit money back to Bangladesh. And if he has to take an MRT, there's no MRT station near his dormitory.
Only a handful of proprietors are aware of the new law.
Mr Veerasankar, a shop owner, said businesses have suffered for the last four months.
Mr Veerasankar, a shop owner, said businesses have suffered for the last four months.
"Since we started, business has not gone (beyond) more than 50 per cent of what we expected actually. So with these new laws, I think maybe it will stay around there, I don't know," he said.
But he hopes the more permanent measures will somehow attract more locals, as security is tighter in the area.
Others who make trips to the area over the weekends say they feel safer.
Mdm Mohghanna Veerayah, a shopper, said the only inconvenience is to avoid the area when they encounter some alcohol drinkers on the streets, but now that it's less crowded, they can walk freely and do not have any fear.
Mr Goh Lye Seng, a resident, said: "Last time it was unsafe, but with the government's move it's now safer. There are many police officers around, it's better now."
Operators of dormitories said arrangements made for foreign workers shortly after last December's riot continue to be in place.
In particular, one operator said that as much as dormitories can organise activities to encourage the foreign workers to stay within the compound, it's also necessary for them to go out and interact.
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