KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 ― The riot in Little India on Sunday night has sparked anger and frustration among netizens in Singapore.

Many have taken to social networking sites and news portals to vent their feelings towards the situation, pointing the finger at the rising foreign workforce.

They called for the government to review its foreign talent policy, saying Singaporean citizens would become the minority if the government continued to import cheap labour from abroad.

User Mohd Razi wrote on Facebook: “Singaporeans must stand united as this is our homeland and we must strive to protect it at any cost.”

YouTube user Ashi said: “The government has to rethink and review its 6.9 to 7 million (population) plan where Singaporeans form the majority. Question is, what if that core can no longer control their country’s destiny and purpose overwhelmed by foreign elements?

“From what I see when walking down the street listening to conversations of passers-by, it is more of the foreign tongue than local dialects. This is not xenophobia but warning signs (which) if ignored would spell the end of our island home.”

An Indian national was knocked down by a private bus after he was crossing the street, resulting in the chaotic affair followed by the arrest of 27 people.

Those from other countries were also not spared the criticism, especially Filipinos and Bangladeshis.

The Bangladesh High Commission responded swiftly by refuting claims that its citizens were involved in the riot.

Some questioned the capabilities of the Singaporean police force in dealing with riots.

Ryan Star wrote on Facebook: “How can we depend on the police force to protect our lives and property when they cannot even protect themselves? Where are the riot police and traffic police when they are needed? These incidents clearly show how inept our home team has become. The home minister must be taken to task for his incompetence and uselessness.”

One user also commented the Singaporean cops should learn from their Malaysian counterparts in dealing with public riots.

“'They should learn from the Malaysian police on how to act harshly against maniacs like these. Show no mercy like how the Malaysian police force does,” said PETTY123 on YouTube.

Amidst the criticism, some rallied for Singapore to be united as flowers and garlands were laid at road curbs in the area yesterday — a sign of peace and reconciliation.