Between 29 September 2021 and 9 October 2021, police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven Police Land Divisions, together with Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (SDEO) from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), jointly carried out a series of island-wide anti-crime operations at nightlife establishments, food & beverage (F&B) outlets, shopping malls and a billiard saloon.
During these operations, the Police conducted checks on 228 persons and arrested 14 men, aged between 16 and 44, for being suspected members of unlawful societies. Police investigations against the 14 men are ongoing.
Five F&B outlets were found to have allegedly breached safe management measures (SMM) under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. The F&B outlets involved are:
- The Base Bistro located at 401 Macpherson Road had been issued with a closure order for 10 days with effect from 7 October 2021 and fined $1,000. The outlet’s supervisor was also fined $300 for not wearing a mask.
- The Sleeping Giants located at 29 Sembawang Road is currently being investigated for alleged breach of COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 for providing entertainment in their outlet.
- SMLJ Pub located at 22 Circular Road had been issued with a closure order for 20 days with effect from 15 October 2021 and fined $2,000.
- Mama Chin Nonya Café located at 41 Circular Road had been issued with a closure order for 10 days with effect from 15 October 2021 and fined $1,000.
- Phorage located at 25 Church Street had been issued with a closure order for 10 days with effect from 8 October 2021. Thirteen individuals were also issued with a Notice of Composition of $1,000 each.
Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society under Section 14(3) of the Societies Act, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both. Anyone convicted for non-compliance with SMM under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, will be liable, upon their first conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
The Police have zero tolerance towards secret society activities that threaten the public safety, peace, and good order, and will not hesitate to take firm actions against those who are associated with gangs and blatantly disregard the law. Members of the public are also advised to take all prevailing safe distancing measures seriously.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 October 2021 @ 8:00 AM