Crowds show up early at Istana open house as main building reopens to public

A queue formed outside the Istana early yesterday morning, even before it opened its gates at 9am for an open house to mark the Labour Day and Hari Raya Aidilfitri public holidays.

- Bryan Cheong

For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic two years ago, visitors were able to enter the Istana’s main building.

Since open house events resumed last August, visitors have been able to visit only the Istana’s outdoor gardens.

Among the early birds was Mr Lin Guo Rong, 38, who showed up with his family and friends.

“The last time I visited was eight years ago,” said the army trainer.

“So when we heard that the Istana’s main building would be reopened, the 20 of us decided to come together, to look around, and see what has changed over the years.”

There were 8,146 visitors at the open house, and 3,299 visitors at the main building.