The Police are investigating four individuals, aged between 33 and 47, for alleged abusive behaviour towards enforcement officers and Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs), as well as non-compliance with safe distancing measures (SDM), in four separate incidents.
Preliminary investigations revealed the following:
- On 31 May 2021, Police received a call for assistance from an SDA informing that he was assaulted by a 47-year-old man while he was performing his duties at Bedok Mall. The SDA had approached the man to advise him to wear his mask properly, as the man’s mask was not covering his nose and mouth. Instead of complying, the man allegedly hurled vulgarities at the SDA and tried to snatch his lanyard. The SDA attempted to capture evidence of the man’s actions on his phone but was allegedly punched on his stomach by the man while attempting to do so. The 47-year-old man is currently assisting with investigations for voluntarily causing hurt, using criminal force, intentionally causing alarm and flouting safe distancing measures.
- On 21 June 2021, Police received a report from a SDA informing that while he was performing his duties along Teo Hong Road, he noticed a man not wearing his mask. When he went to advise the 33-year-old man to put on a mask, the man purportedly did not comply, allegedly scolded vulgarities at the SDA and pushed the SDA twice, causing him to fall. The 33-year-old man was arrested by Police for being a public nuisance, and will also be investigated for using criminal force, intentionally causing alarm and flouting safe distancing measures.
- On 21 June 2021, Police had received a call for assistance from an ICA officer who had detained a 40-year-old man for abusive behaviour at 10 Kallang Road. The ICA officer had observed that the man had pulled his mask down below his mouth, and thus had advised him to pull up his mask. While the man initially complied, he was later observed to have pulled down his mask again. The ICA officer then advised the man to pull up his mask again but on this occasion, the man purportedly did not comply again and allegedly hurled vulgarities at the ICA officer. The 40-year-old man was arrested by Police for using abusive language against a public servant and will also be investigated for breaching safe distancing measures.
- On 26 June 2021, Police received a report from an SDEO informing that while he was performing his duties at Albert Centre’s market and food centre, a 40-year-old man was observed to be speaking on his phone with his mask pulled below his mouth. The SDEO advised the man to pull up his mask, but the man allegedly ignored the advice and walked away. The SDEO followed the man to reiterate the advice, but the man purportedly responded by hurling vulgarities against the SDEO. The 40-year-old man was arrested for using abusive language against a public servant and will also be investigated for breaching safe distancing measures.
Investigations into the above incidents are ongoing.
Individuals found guilty for the offence of voluntarily causing hurt, punishable under Section 323 of the Penal Code, are liable for imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Individuals found guilty for the offence of using criminal force, punishable under Section 352 of the Penal Code, are liable for imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to $1,500, or both.
Individuals found guilty for the offence of intentionally causing alarm, punishable under Section 3(2) of the Protection from Harassment Act, are liable for imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Individuals found guilty for the offence of public nuisance, punishable under Section 290 of the Penal Code, are liable for a fine of up to $2,000.
Individuals found guilty for the offence of using abusive words against public servant, 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 who are found not to be wearing a mask or not wearing a mask properly outside their place of residence, are liable for a breach under Regulation 3A of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. Offenders may face a fine not exceeding $10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.
The Police take a serious view of abusive behaviour against law enforcement officers SDAs and SDEOs; as well as irresponsible behaviour relating to flouting safe distancing measures. Offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously.
Source: Singapore Police Force