A 48-year-old Singaporean man was charged in court on 18 June 2020 for abusive behaviour relating to the flouting of safe distancing measures (SDM).
On 14 June 2020, the Police received a call for assistance regarding an altercation between a transport ambassador and a man at Bedok MRT Station. Preliminary investigations revealed that the transport ambassador was advising the man to don his face mask properly to cover his nose while on board a train towards Bedok MRT Station. The man complied and wore his face mask properly, covering his nose, but allegedly scolded vulgarities at the transport ambassador. The transport ambassador followed the man after they got off the train in order to report him to the police. However, the man attempted to get away and at a supermarket along New Upper Changi Road, he allegedly pushed a supermarket trolley against the transport ambassador’s right kneecap.
The man was charged with one count of causing hurt by an act which endangers life or the personal safety of others punishable under Section 337(a) of the Penal Code. The man is also being investigated for intentionally causing alarm punishable under Section 3(2) of the Protection from Harassment Act and a possible breach of SDM.
The Police take a stern view of abusive and irresponsible behaviour relating to the flouting of SDM during the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period. Offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.
Members of the public should cooperate and comply with the instructions of transport ambassadors. The Police will not tolerate any verbal or physical abuse of them. They are performing an important duty to keep us and our community safe. Let us all do our part to curb the spread of COVID-19.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 June 2020 @ 7:25 PM