The Police will be charging a 40-year-old man in the State Courts on 27 April 2020 for posting a false message on a Facebook group relating to COVID-19 circuit breaker measures. The charge is for an offence of communicating a false message under Section 14D(1) of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, Chapter 184, which carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine of maximum S$10,000, or both.
Between 15 and 16 April 2020, the man had allegedly posted the following false message on a Facebook group “Taxiuncle”:
“Got intel say sg will proceed with more measures in place come this Saturday.
Food courts coffee shop all to close
Supermarkets will only open two days a week
Better go stock up your stuff for the next month or so.
Govt officials in meeting yesterday and will finalize measures tomorrow.”
The Police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who transmits or communicates falsehoods. Members of the public should refer to official sources for information and avoid spreading unsubstantiated information or false rumours, as these may cause fear and public alarm.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
27 April 2020 @ 6:45 AM