The Police are investigating six men, aged between 26 and 65, in three separate incidents for non-compliance with safe distancing measures. Three of them are also being investigated for alleged abusive behaviour towards public servants or public service workers, when they were advised to comply with safe distancing measures.
Preliminary investigations revealed that in all three cases, the individuals were believed to either have not worn their mask, or not worn their mask properly, when they were advised to do so. The cases are as follows:
- On 30 April 2021, the Police attended to a case at Blk 6 Jalan Bukit Merah where three male stall operators, aged 26, 27 and 37, were allegedly not wearing their masks properly. Despite having been repeatedly advised by a Safe Distancing Enforcement Officer and two Safe Distancing Ambassadors to don their masks properly, they purportedly refused to do so. One of the men also allegedly hurled vulgarities at the Safe Distancing Enforcement Officer and Safe Distancing Ambassadors.
- On 1 May 2021, the Police received a call for assistance at a bus stop along Serangoon Road. Two male passengers, aged 57 and 65, had allegedly refused to comply with the instructions of the bus captain and bus inspector to wear their masks properly. The 57-year-old man also purportedly hurled vulgarities and made an insulting hand gesture at the bus captain. As his actions purportedly caused a commotion and led to the disruption of the bus service, the man was arrested for causing public nuisance.
- On 1 May 2021, the Police were alerted to another incident along Orchard Road where a 64-year-old male passenger was allegedly uncooperative and had raised his voice towards the bus captain when advised by the latter to wear his mask properly.
Investigations into all three cases are ongoing.
Individuals found guilty for the offence of using abusive words against public servant or public service worker, punishable under Section 6(3) of the Protection from Harassment Act, are liable for a fine not exceeding $5,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
Individuals found guilty for causing public nuisance, punishable under Section 290 of the Penal Code, face a penalty of an imprisonment term of up to three months, a fine which may extend to $2,000, or both.
Individuals who are found to be not wearing a mask or not wearing a mask properly outside their place of residence shall be liable for a breach of Regulation 3A of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. The offence carries a penalty of a fine of not exceeding $10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding up to six months, or both.
Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously. The Police take a stern view of abusive and irresponsible behaviour relating to the flouting of safe distancing measures and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
12 May 2021 @ 12:15 PM