SINGAPORE – Gotta catch ’em all they said, and catch they did as droves of obsessed Pokemon ‘trainers’ flocked to popular PokeStops and Pokemon Go gyms around the island.
The augmented reality game Pokemon Go has turned out to be a real nightmare for residents at certain neighbourhoods around the island, with hundreds of players congregating at these hotspots at odd hours.
It was ‘apokelypse’ for some residents staying near Yishun Park, which has four PokeStops.
According to Shin Min Daily News, nearly a hundred Pokemon players were spotted at the park in the wee hours of Wednesday morning (Aug 10).
PokeStops are landmarks for players to collect items that can aid them in their quest, while Pokemon Go gyms are for players to battle other aspiring Pokemon trainers.
Some were flagrantly flouting traffic rules, parking their vehicles illegally around the park.
Illegal hawkers were also seen peddling their wares around the park, much to the chagrin of irate residents.
Many of the players were students, the Chinese evening daily reported, due to the National Day public holiday coupled with the designated school holiday on Wednesday.
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Mr He (phonetic translation), a tutor, told Shin Min Daily News that he went to Yishun Park in the wee hours after hearing that “high-level Pokemons” were spotted there.
“Someone also shouted that the police were coming, so those who parked illegally around the park fled the scene” the 32-year-old Pokemon gamer added.
“Some players were also consuming alcohol as they played. They appeared drunk and were creating a din. I was worried that the residents would complain.”
It is illegal to consume alcohol in all public places from 10.30pm to 7am according to the Liquor Control Act, which came into force last year.
Mr Chen (phonetic translation), a resident who stays near Yishun Park, was worried about the “unhealthy atmosphere”.
“It is annoying that there are so many people at the park. The drinking will only make it worse,” said Mr Chen, 42.
“There are youths at the park too. I’m worried that they will be influenced and start consuming alcohol too,” the delivery man said.
The New Paper
Gangs of players at Hougang
It was a similar situation at Blk 404 Hougang Avenue 10. According to Lianhe Wanbao, there are three PokeStops at that neighbourhood.
Photos posted on social media also showed a massive crowd of people glued to their phones at a playground near the block.
Other hotspots in the heartlands include East Coast Park and Punggol Park.
grongloh@sph.com.sg
Reuters, AFP
