A 32 year-old male Singapore Citizen, Foo Ching Guan, will be charged in court on 17 April 2020, after breaching his Stay-Home Notice (SHN), an offence under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020.

Wilful Breach of the SHN Requirements

2.       The Government had announced that with effect from 16 March 2020, 2359 hours, all residents, Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore with travel history to any other ASEAN countries^[1], within the last 14 days would be issued an SHN and must remain in their place of residence at all times for a 14-day period. From 20 March 2020, 2359hrs, these requirements were extended to all residents, Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore, and from 9 April 2020, 2359hrs, all residents, Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore were required to serve a 14-day self isolation at dedicated SHN facilities.

3.       Foo arrived in Singapore from Thailand on 17 March 2020 and was served with an SHN for the period of 17 March to 31 March 2020. On 29 March 2020, he left his place of residence at Kreta Ayer Road and took a private hire vehicle to meet a friend at Sengkang Central to settle some personal matters.

4.       ICA has investigated Foo’s wilful breach of SHN requirements. In consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, he will be charged in court on 17 April 2020 for an offence under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020. A person convicted of an offence under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Importance of Complying with SHN Requirements

5.       ICA will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against those who fail to comply with the SHN requirements. Besides prosecuting offenders under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations, ICA may also cancel their immigration facilities, where applicable.

6.       ICA also reminds all travellers arriving in Singapore to ensure that they submit complete and accurate health and travel declarations via the SG Arrival Card. Anyone who makes a false or misleading declaration will be liable to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. The penalty for providing false or misleading information is a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. For subsequent offence(s), the penalty is a fine of up to S$20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months. For foreigners, ICA may also take further administrative actions, such as revocation of, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain in Singapore.

7.       Members of the public can report information about anyone who fails to comply with SHN requirements to ICA at go.gov.sg/reportshnbreach or 6812 5555.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
16 APRIL 2020