52 People Allegedly Held Parties in Sin Ming Industrial Building

At a time when strict measures are required to combat the coronavirus outbreak, following the orders of the authorities is vital.

Since the virus landed on our shores, the government has relayed one simple message; follow the rules in place, and we’ll get the outbreak under control.

In response, some residents have said: I hear what you’re saying, but nah.

Yes, despite the increase in group size limits recently, some people just can’t live without large parties.

So much so that they’re willing to party in an industrial building.

52 People Allegedly Held Parties in Sin Ming Industrial Building

The police are investigating 52 people for breaching safe distancing measures after they were caught partying in an industrial building in Sin Ming.

These parties weren’t limited to 8 with safe distancing protocols of course.

The first party took place on 9 Jan, at about 3.10am. The police received a tip-off and went down to investigate the claim.

When they arrived, they found a group of 40 people aged between 16 and 36 drinking, smoking, and singing inside the unit.

Yes, that is five times the permitted group size limit.

The second party took place on 17 Jan, after the police received another tip off at about 2.45am.

There, they discovered a group of 13 people aged between 19 and 36 also drinking in the same unit.

In a press release on Wednesday (20 Jan), the police said that based on their preliminary findings, the unit is not licensed to provide public entertainment or to supply alcohol.

Maybe the operator had no idea his unit was being used for such purposes?

Nope.

On both occasions, when the police discovered the large gatherings, the operator of the unit along 18 Sin Ming Lane was present.

The man, a 24-year-old, is now under investigation for breaching public entertainment and liquor control laws.

The police advised the public to take the current safe distancing measures seriously, warning of the penalties that await those who fall afoul of the law.

Breaching such measures can lead to a six-month stint in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

More Large Gatherings Taking Place

At the end of November, the number of daily cases had fallen dramatically, emboldening some residents to hold large parties.

As ST reported, 8 large gatherings have taken place since then, without any safe distancing measures.

This includes a gathering of 51 people at a karaoke outlet in Orchard Road, MZS Family Karaoke.

It had been operating as a F&B outlet and had served alcoholic drinks past 10.30pm, which isn’t permitted.

Another famous gathering was the Lazarus Island yacht party, where 10 people on a yacht near Lazarus Island were seen partying like it was 2019; in close proximity and without any face masks.

They were wearing Santa hats though.

More recently, a Pasir Ris resort – Cherryloft Resorts and Hotels –  was fined $1,000 and ordered by STB to suspend bookings for a month after it was caught breaching safe management measures.

It’s certainly no coincidence that community cases are on the rise.

Maybe the coronavirus-related restrictions are in place for a good reason after all?

Featured Image: Midview City