During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learnt many things about the human species:
- We would happily get into a physical fight over toilet paper during a crisis
- We develop a strong, overwhelming desire to exercise only during a crisis
- We hate being told what to do
That last one is evident in the way we respond when reminded to follow the law. When someone informs us that we’re not wearing a mask or wearing it improperly, the logical thing to do would be to put one on properly.
But of course, some of us choose to abuse them instead.
Three Separate Incidents of Verbal Abuse in Two Days
Three separate incidents of verbal abuse against safe distancing officers and bus drivers allegedly occurred over the course of two days, on 30 April and 1 May.
On 30 April, the police were alerted to an incident at Block 6 Jalan Bukit Merah involving three male stall operators aged 26, 27, and 37.
The three men allegedly refused to wear their masks properly when repeatedly asked to do so by a safe distancing enforcement officer and two safe distancing ambassadors.
One of them even used vulgarities against the safe distancing officers.
In another incident on 1 May, the police were called to a bus stop along Serangoon Road after two male passengers, aged 57 and 65, allegedly refused to wear their masks properly after being instructed to do so by a bus driver and bus inspector.
But, of course, a simple refusal wasn’t enough.
The 57-year-old man was also said to have used obscenities and made an insulting hand gesture at the bus driver.
The man was arrested for causing public nuisance since his actions purportedly caused a commotion and led to the disruption of the bus service.
In the last incident, which occurred on the same day, a 64-year-old male passenger allegedly raised his voice and was uncooperative when a bus driver asked him to put his mask on properly.
Police Investigating Incident
Yesterday (12 May), the police said they are investigating the three cases of alleged verbal abuse.
The six men involved in the incidents are also being investigated for not complying with safe distancing regulations.
Since they refused to follow basic instructions, these men could end up with a heavy fine on their hands, or even a stint in jail.
Those convicted of using abusive words against a public servant or public service worker can be fined up to S$5,000, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both.
Those found guilty of causing a public nuisance can be jailed up to three years, fined up to S$2,000, or both.
And the offence of not wearing a mask outside or wearing it improperly carries a penalty of a S$10,00 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The police advised the public to take safe distancing regulations seriously and warned that offenders will be dealt with under the law.
Featured Image: Facebook (Chan Chun Sing)
Here’s the REAL reason why everyone is hanging plushies on their bags, simplified for you:
