SINGAPORE — A 24-year-old man was on Monday (July 12) charged with cheating a doctor into issuing a medical certificate to him during the circuit breaker last year.

Muhammad Irshaad Abdul Mateen Lim Liang San was handed another five charges of leaving his flat in Bukit Batok for non-essential purposes from May 13 to 17 last year, right after being given the medical certificate.

Irshaad, a Singaporean, allegedly tricked Dr Ramana Narendran into believing that he had flu-like symptoms on May 12 last year during the circuit breaker, when movements and activities were restricted to contain the spread of Covid-19.

During that period, people were advised to see a doctor if they had symptoms resembling those of an acute respiratory infection, such as a cough or sore throat.

It is unclear how Irshaad's offences were detected.

TODAY’s checks showed that Dr Narendran practises at OneCare Medical’s branch at Bukit Gombak MRT Station.

A 22-year-old woman, Alyssa Poh Hwee Yee, was earlier charged with allowing Irshaad to enter her flat in Ang Mo Kio on the days that he left his home after being given the medical certificate. 

She faces six charges.

Those who did not live in the same residence were barred from visiting one another for social purposes during the circuit breaker in April and May last year.

Court documents did not reveal the pair’s relationship, but showed that on May 13 last year, Irshaad left his home around 12.30am and entered her flat between about 1.30am and 3.20pm. 

Both of them remain out on bail and will return to court on Aug 16.

If convicted of breaking Covid-19 laws, they could each face a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

Cheating carries a maximum punishment of three years in jail and a fine.