Kampong Glam Case Study

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Been labeled the ‘Muslim Quarter’ because of its past, Kampong Glam keeps hold of sturdy bonds to the Malay and Muslim community. The Sultan Mosque stays a most important marker and gathering place for Singapore Muslims, the district stays a focal point for Muslim activities and Muslim population still stays a major presence.
It takes in the parameters of Bali Lane, North Bridge Road, Beach Road, Aliwal Street, Sultan Gate and Kandahar Street (Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2015) (refer to Appendix A). However, the area is more commonly known as Arab Street which typifies the Arabian lifestyle. Everyone get together here to indulge in Arab Street's rich culture, whether to delight in the history, the souk-style retail experience or the ethnic …show more content…

To have a modern look, the district was flooded with a myriad of lifestyle retailers, fashion boutiques, restaurants and cafes. This urban development means a lot more for Singapore’s Malay-Muslim community, as Kampong Glam has been their cultural centre for many years (Imran, 2005).
Based on Stone’s (1989) type of causal stories, Kampong Glam is facing the ‘inadvertent cause’. The area where Muslims are associated with are witnessing unforeseen side effects with the rising of eateries and convenience stores serving alcohol. As alcohol consumption is not allowed among the Muslim community, thus the URA has been cautious with their conservation strategy here, putting in place policies to direct the permissible uses to support traditional trades in the district. Examples of incompatible trades are health centers, pubs and bars which are prohibited in Kampong Glam (URA, 2008).
Nevertheless, businesses can work around this policy and supply alcohol if they enlist their businesses under restaurants and cafes instead of under clubs or bars and submit an appliction for a liquor license separately from the Singapore Police Force. Herein lies the issue of neglect for respect of the area which was raised in the ‘inadvertent

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