The State Funeral Organising Committee at about 11.10pm on Friday (Mar 27) announced a temporary closure of the queue for those wishing to pay last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew lying in state at Parliament House.

"Since the lying in state began at Parliament House on 25 March 2015, there has been a sharp increase in the number of visitors daily. The current estimated queue time to enter Parliament House is now more than 10 hours. As of 27 March, 11 pm, more than 290,000 have paid their respects to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the Parliament House," the committee said.

"We would like to accommodate as many as possible in this overwhelming outpouring of respect and love for Mr Lee Kuan Yew. However, to ensure safety of individuals due to the large crowds and to limit the physical discomfort of the long wait, especially for the elderly and young children, the queue line will be temporarily suspended. We are appealing for patience and understanding as we work to ease the situation. We will inform the public when the queue is open again," it added.

"Those wishing to pay respects to Mr Lee can also do so at People’s Association community sites at 18 different locations around Singapore.

"We apologise that the queue has to be temporarily suspended but we seek the public’s understanding that this was decided to protect the safety and well-being of those wishing to pay respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew."
(Channel News Asia)