38 people under probe for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules in Jalan Besar, Paya Lebar

SINGAPORE — The police are investigating 38 people between the ages of 14 and 39 for allegedly breaking safe-distancing rules in Jalan Besar and Paya Lebar after Singapore went on heightened alert against Covid-19. 

With a resurgence of coronavirus cases in the community, Singapore rolled out more stringent precautions from May 16, banning dining in at eateries and limiting gatherings to two persons. These measures will last until June 13.

In a statement on Saturday (May 29), the police said that during an operation on May 16, they found seven men and two women, aged 20 to 27, allegedly drinking alcohol and socialising at an industrial unit along Jalan Besar.

An industrial unit in Jalan Besar where the police found seven men and two women allegedly drinking alcohol and socialising. Photos: Singapore Police Force

A 27-year-old man, believed to be the unit’s operator, will be investigated for offences under the Public Entertainments Act, which regulates public entertainment, and the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, which governs the supply and consumption of liquor in public spaces.

Last Saturday, the police carried out a separate operation at an office unit along Paya Lebar Road and found 21 men and eight women, aged between 14 and 39, allegedly drinking alcohol and socialising. 

Four teenagers, aged 15 to 18, were arrested and will be probed for suspected drug-related crimes. 

The 15-year-old, believed to be the unit’s operator, will also be investigated for offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015.

At both venues, public entertainment and liquor were believed to have been provided without a valid licence, the police said. Karaoke equipment found at the two units were also seized. 

Investigations into both incidents are under way. 

Providing public entertainment and supplying liquor without a valid licence each carry a fine of up to S$20,000. 

For breaking safe-distancing rules under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may face a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. 

The police advised the public to take safe-distancing rules seriously. 

“The police take a stern view of abusive and irresponsible behaviours relating to the flouting of safe-distancing measures and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” they said.