If you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned.
In a local context, the Singapore gahmen is the fire and the burn is applied in the form of a fine or jail term.
This has been especially true during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the authorities have introduced strict measures and regulations to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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And since a pandemic is no trivial matter, the authorities have to make an example out of errant individuals so others won’t follow suit.
And what better deterrent than the threat of losing your permanent resident status?
Malaysian Has His S’pore PR Revoked After Breaking SHN & Not Confessing to the Offences
A Malaysian man who left his hostel multiple times during his stay-home notice (SHN) last year probably didn’t expect such severe repercussions.
After his offences had been discovered, Chong Tet Choe was charged in June for breaching his SHN to run errands despite knowing he exhibited Covid-19 symptoms.
Chong was jailed for two weeks on 7 Aug last year for his offence, but he’s now been slapped with a much bigger penalty.
On Thursday (4 Feb), the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) revoked Chong’s permanent residence (PR) status.
“Singapore permanent residents who have been convicted of an offence will have their PR status reviewed by the ICA. In the case of Mr Chong Tet Choe, ICA has revoked his PR status on Feb 4,” ICA said in a statement.
ICA added that foreigners who breach public health regulations and requirements in Singapore may face further administrative actions by ICA or the Ministry of Manpower, or both.
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This includes losing their permits and passes to remain or work in Singapore, or having their validity shortened.
What Happened
On 29 April last year, Chong visited Summit Medical Clinic at Block 134 Jurong Gateway Road as he had body aches and a cough.
As you know, both these ailments are symptoms commonly experienced by Covid-19 patients.
That’s why Chong was issued a medical certificate and was informed that it was also an SHN.
A stay-home notice, as the name suggests, means you should stay at home. Still, the staff at the clinic made it crystal clear to Chong that he was not to leave his house from 29 April to 3 May for any purpose except to seek medical attention.
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So, Chong had two options here:
- Stay at home
Okay, there really is only one option. But of course, Chong left his home the very next day to buy groceries and withdraw money at a nearby supermarket.
He also went to a canteen near the hostel to buy food on two days – 2 and 3 May.
But that’s not all, folks! He left his residence for a second time on 3 May to top up his phone credits at an AXS machine.
My face and palm have never had a more violent meeting.
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And Chong only confessed to his offences after he was shown the access records of his hostel.
For each of his offences, Chong could have been jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.
As I said, if you play with fire, prepare to get burned.
Featured Image: Hi-Point / Shutterstock.com
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
