The Police are investigating three men aged between 36 to 58 for allegedly using abusive words against Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (“SDEO”) from the National Environment Agency (“NEA”), who were assisting to enforce compliance to safe distancing measures, in three separate incidents.
Preliminary investigations revealed the following:
- For the first incident, on 18 July 2021, Police received a call for assistance from a SDEO informing that a 36-year-old man had hurled vulgarities at her while she was performing her duties at Newton Food Centre. The SDEO had approached the man and his three friends to advise them to cease drinking as it was past 10.30 p.m. Instead of complying with her advice, the man allegedly hurled vulgarities at her. The 36-year-old man is currently assisting with investigations for using abusive words against a public servant and for possible breaches of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act.
- For the second incident, on 18 July 2021, Police received a call for assistance from an SDEO informing that a 41-year-old man had hurled vulgarities against him, while he was performing his duties at Newton Food Centre. The SDEO had approached the man and his five friends to advise them to disperse as their group had allegedly exceeded the permitted group size cap for social gatherings. Instead of complying with his advice, the man purportedly hurled vulgarities at him. The 41-year-old man is currently assisting with investigations for using abusive words against a public servant. The man and his five friends are also being investigated for breaching safe distancing measures as well.
- For the third incident, on 21 July 2021, Police received a call for assistance from a SDEO informing that a 58-year-old man had hurled vulgarities against him while he was performing his duties at Haig Road Market and Food Centre. The SDEO had approached the man and advised him to cease drinking his beer, to put on his mask and to leave the premises of the Food Centre as it was closed for deep cleaning. Instead of complying with the SDEO’s advice, the man allegedly hurled vulgarities at the SDEO. The 58-year old man is currently assisting with investigations for using abusive words against a public servant.
Individuals found guilty for the offence of using abusive words against public servants, 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 found guilty of breaching the Regulations under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 are liable for a fine not exceeding $10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding 6 months, or both.
The Police take a serious view of abusive acts against enforcement officers, and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Members of the public are advised to take safe distancing measures seriously.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
11 August 2021 @ 6:10 PM