Singapore police arrested 21 Malaysians for staging a protest related to the Malaysian elections at the tourist icon Merlion Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Malaysians were arrested after the group gathered in the park in downtown Singapore in the afternoon, the police said in a statement.

The police said those who break the law will be seriously dealt with.

Under Singapore law, it is necessary to obtain a permit before a demonstration is held.

The protest comes after the police gave conditional warnings on Friday to nine Malaysians for participating in an illegal gathering at the Merlion Park on Wednesday to protest over what the participants said were irregularities in the Malaysian general elections.

The police said on Saturday that foreigners must abide by Singapore laws, and should not import their domestic issues from their respective countries into Singapore.