On 12 December 2019, the Police received a report that “Happy People Helping People”, an organisation founded by Mr Mohammad Nafiz bin Kamarudin, intended to organise an event at Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Chinatown, Jalan Besar and Bedok on 14 December 2019, titled “A Mile In Their Shoes – ‘Leaders of Singapore’ Fundraiser Special”.
According to available information, the event organisers had invited local political party representatives to collect cardboard across various localities, so as to publicise the cause of supporting cardboard collectors, as well as to collect donations for this cause.
The event is purportedly only open to political party members. The organisers had also intended to open online donation accounts for each political party, so that donors can donate to the party of their choice, before the donations are distributed to cardboard collectors. “Happy People Helping People” is not a registered charity and has not applied for any licence under the House to House and Street Collections Act.
As the event goes beyond simply helping cardboard collectors, and appears to be politicising a social cause, the Police assessed that the event would constitute a public assembly, and would therefore require a Police permit under the Public Order Act.
The Police informed Mr Nafiz on 12 December 2019 that a Police permit was required for the event, and advised him to put in the necessary applications. Police have yet to receive any application for a permit to hold this event.
It is a criminal offence under the Public Order Act to organise or participate in a public assembly without a Police permit. Members of the public should check with the event organiser if a Police permit is issued, before participating.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
13 December 2019 @ 6:40 PM