Minister: Authorities Have No Intention to Fine People Who Display Flags After 30 Sept

In recent days, there have been numerous reports about how we could get fined if we display the Singapore flag after 30 Sept.

Both new media and mainstream media have written about it, because getting fined $1,000 simply for forgetting to keep the flag that we’ve displayed since April just isn’t worth it.

Well, it’s now confirmed: while there’s no official confirmation that it’s legal to continue displaying the flag after 30 September, the authorities aren’t going to fine anyone for doing so.

Unless you deliberately disrespect the flag lah, like this guy who burned a flag for no reason.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong confirmed this in a Facebook post that sounds like it’s written by a William Shakespeare’s descendant:

Lest you can’t read:

[Flying our National Flag]

There are few sights as stirring and revealing of our national pride and solidarity as the display of the Singapore flag outside our homes. It’s an expression of love and a symbol of our national values (plus, a reminder that National Day is approaching!)

There’s been some concern raised after certain media reported that those who continue to fly the flags after Sep 30 will be fined. Let me assure you: as far as I know, no one has ever been fined for this, nor do we plan to do so.

But in cases of deliberate disrespect against the flag in any way, we will of course take action. These rules are meant to safeguard the dignity of our flag. There’s no reason to “punish” those who treat it with respect and dignity, and are proud to showcase the Singapore spirit. Patriotism is not just a right, it’s simply right.

The Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem (“SAFNA”) Act which governs the use of the national flag has been in place since 1959. We amended the legislation in 2007 to allow us to display it from our homes from 1 Jul to 30 Sep – and following public feedback, did a one-time extension this year to start from 25 April as a unifying symbol during COVID-19.

Unrelated to the recent news, MCCY had already initiated a review of SAFNA to look at a number of issues, including to allow more occasions on which our flags can be displayed, while always protecting its dignity from extended display or neglect. Please share your suggestions on how we can continue to use the flag to express our pride and identity at https://go.gov.sg/singaporeflag.

Singaporeans have shown incredible grit and resilience during this testing period. While the Singapore flag remains a symbol of everything we stand for, I ask that you also never, ever wave a white flag when it comes to standing up for our nation and fellow Singaporeans.

What Happened on 25 April 2020 When We Could Display Our Flag Earlier

Lest you’ve moved the painful memories of the Circuit Breaker period into a dark corner of your mind, let me remind you what happened on that dark, dark day that led us to display the Singapore flag.

April saw us seeing three- to four-digit daily cases. A few days before 25 April, we were also told that the Circuit Breaker would be extending. Malaysia has repeatedly extended its MCO too, while the cases in the US continued to increase. Back then, we thought COVID-19 might last till 2050, and some of us have resorted to praying for aliens to land on Yishun to save us all.

And now, in September, places are opening up and we’re going to move towards Phase 3.

And by the way, similar to anyone coming in from other countries (except Brunei and one-sided love interest New Zealand), they’d still have to go through SHN even with the valid documents.

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