NEA: You Can Be Fined Up To $50,000 For Picking Fruits On Public Land Without Permission

Gone are the days when you can pluck mangoes from your neighbour’s backyard and he would just shout “Oi!” if he caught you.

But you would be back the very next day to pluck more of the gold goodies.

Plucking someone else’s fruit is indeed stealing and crime indeed doesn’t pay.

Especially so in high-tech Singapore where cameras are always watching.

NEA Announced That You Can Be Fined Up To $50,000

Now, the National Environment Agency (NEA) Parks and Trees Act states that plucking or collecting fruits within nature reserves or national parks can face a fine of up to $50,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

Whoa.

In other words, “don’t anyhow pluck!”

The Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said on 7 October said, “Trees, including their fruit, which are located on State land belong to the State.”

Like that also can one ah?

What Do People Pluck

Well, whether there’s a rule or not, there will always be people who will risk it.

In Yishun Avenue 1, people often pluck durians.

(You didn’t hear it from us)

Bukit Purmei used to have an abundance of rambutans and Redhill Close used to have lots and lots and lots of ‘saga’ seeds, or love seeds.

I guess ‘plucking’ saga seeds are okay, but again, pluck at your own risk.

What You Can Do

Grow Your Own Plants Outside Your House

Whether you live in a mousehole or a mansion, you can always make room for some plants of your own. Tending to plants can inculcate a nurturing, meticulous personality that can benefit you in many other areas of life.

Here are some plant species that you can grow based on the time you can commit:

Cactus

Image: homedepot.com

This hardy dessert plant can survive without water under the harshest conditions. It needs little to no care and you can water it every other day or whenever you feel like it. The spines are leaves and if watered regularly, the spindly leaves grow out into full leaves. This is a low-maintenance plant for those who want a plant (or a living thing) but don’t want to commit too much time.

Orchid

Image: teleflora.com

This beautiful plant only needs two to three tablespoons of water every two to three weeks. So you get the dual benefit of low-maintenance and beautiful flowers.

Swiss Cheese Plant

Image: crocus.co.uk

This lush green plant only needs watering once a week but looks like your very own little tree.

Peace Lily

Image: homeguides.sfgate.com

Another low-maintenance plant is the Peace Lily which also needs watering just once a week.

Join Community Gardens

Alternatively, most neighbourhoods in Singapore now have community gardens where you can pay a monthly fee, grow plants and get free advice from your more experienced neighbours.

Troop down to your nearest Community Centre to find out more or visit here.