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  Channel NewsAsia 24 Dec 06
Rain will not stop Singaporeans from camping out
By Rita Zahara

It has been raining heavily but that has not stopped Singaporeans from camping out.

East Coast Park has been turned into a colourful site with a patchwork of red, blue and green tents lining much of the coastline.

For the past three days, Norhiati Mohd and family have been camping out in five tents at East Coast Park. The blue tent is the bedroom, the red one functions as a storeroom while the white one is the dining area. For most campers, the kitchen is out in the open while the washing is hung out to dry on lines straddling coconut trees.

Nur Syahidah Abdul Rahim, East Coast Park camper, said: "If it rains, we stay under the tent, we chit-chat, we play games, joke around and then when the rain stops, we play with water."

40-year-old Sam Tsang used to organise year-end parties at hotels. But this year, his 30-odd foreign workers were brought to a sea-side retreat. He said: "We're just prepared for the rain that's all. This is our tent here. Only one tent. In case there is heavy rain then we will move everything inside."

One family came prepared to brave the crowds and rain for a day out on the beach. Rohayah Ismail, East Coast Park camper, said: "If really becomes heavy rain, my sister and sister- in-law are just staying around here so we can just rush to their homes."

One particular stretch of East Coast Park - Area C - is especially popular amongst the camping fraternity. When asked why, many say there are eateries and restrooms nearby, shelters are also many.

East Coast Park is Singapore's largest and it attracts about seven million visitors annually. And it is a favourite spot for Singaporeans to pitch their tents.

There is now no need for permits to pitch tents on public holidays and weekends. But you need to have your identity card during weekdays as park rangers will scan your ID into a portable computer and give you a slip to attach to the tents.

The system helps to ensure campers do not overstay. Although overstayers can be fined up to $2,000, no one has been fined so far.

NParks says such cases will be referred to the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry. - CNA/ch
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