MOM Revoked 4 Work Passes for Breaching SHN; 2 Were Discovered with Smartwatch

Though the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) may share the same abbreviation with a certain ferocious species, they are, for the most part, pretty different.

Or at least, that’s what we thought.

At closer glance, it appears that they actually share more similarities than either could possibly admit.

For one, they do not hesitate to inflict punishment should the need arise.

For two, they command a significant, domineering presence in the industry/household.

And for three, they seem to have a real knack for confiscation…

A notion that’s more than visible in the following piece:

MOM Revoked 4 Work Passes for Breaching SHN; 2 Were Discovered with Smartwatch

According to a press release by the Ministry of Manpower, four work pass holders have been caught violating Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirements within the last three months.

As a result, they’ve had their work passes revoked by MOM.

Apparently, the holders were guilty of vacating their residence without legitimate reasons, and purportedly failed to seek permission from MOM during the SHN period.

Two of them were detected via the MOM-issued Smartwatch, while the others – who did their SHN at dedicated facilities and as such did not need to wear smartwatches – were turned in by a member of the public and an employer.

According to the report, three are work permit holders, while the last one is an S-Pass holder.

To know the difference between these work passes, watch this video to the end (and please also subscribe to our YouTube channel for more informative videos!):

On A Real Revoking Run

Apparently, work pass holders have proven to be a real handful of late.

Since 1 May 2020, MOM has revoked a whopping 44 Work Passes due to violation of SHN requirements.

However, they emphasised that it was the minority who chose to breach the rules; the rest, the majority, have followed their instructions to a T.

“The majority of work pass holders have complied with these requirements to help us safeguard the health and safety of our population,” said MOM.

Nevertheless, MOM made it a point to reiterate their intention: all work pass holders and their employers must comply with the QO or SHN conditions.

Failure to do so could result in legal consequences, with perpetrators possibly facing prosecution under the Infectious Diseases COVID-19 Regulations 2020.

Subsequent enforcement actions, including the revocation of work passes, will be practiced.

“MOM will continue to take enforcement actions against work pass holders who do not comply with the requirements, including the revocation of work passes,” they said.

Very First Instance

Can you believe that the first instance of someone breaking SHN and getting caught was mere seven months ago?

Back in March, Alan Tham Xiang Sheng, 34, became the first individual to be convicted of violating an SHN.

After touching down in Singapore from Myanmar on 23 March, he was supposed to serve an SHN until 6 April.

But he failed to comply with the rule, and proceeded to meet up with his 36-year-old girlfriend instead of heading straight home.

He also had bak kut teh on his day out.

In court, Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun stated that Tham’s conduct was “socially reprehensible”.

The accused was subsequently sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment time.

Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com