Now a trendy hotspot for youths, Kampong Glam was once scarred by the Maria Hertogh Riots of 1950. The Sultan Mosque, the riot’s center, saw rioters hiding within and a police van set ablaze. The riots resulted in 18 deaths and nearly 200 injuries.

In response, significant changes were made to the police force, including the creation of multi-racial Reserve Units and a more efficient policing system with a network of control headquarters supported by 40 radio patrol cars.

These events remind us to handle race and religion issues with sensitivity, especially in today’s world of pervasive internet and social media, where words and actions carry significant weight.