A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) full-time national serviceman (NSF) Corporal Kok Yuen Chin died on Sunday, May 13, after ragging activities were allegedly carried out.

Kok was found unconscious at the bottom of the pump well at Tuas View Fire Station, as part of a celebration for his squad's impending Operationally Ready Date (ORD) on Wednesday, May 16.

Two SCDF regular officers have been arrested on Monday, May 14 over the incident.

Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has spoken out about it: "The facts I’ve been given so far, they make it quite clear that conduct was quite wrong of some of the people involved. It was in clear violation of SCDF’s rules, it should not have happened, unacceptable, period.”

SCDF in spotlight again

This latest incident has shone the spotlight on SCDF again, following an infamous incident three years ago.

In April 2015, SCDF officers took a video of their celebration on what was believed to be the last day of their training.

It showed the personnel openly smoking after thrashing their bunk.

Caught cursing and smoking in a pile of mess

The one-minute video circulated on Facebook, where SCDF personnel were also seen cursing, while showcasing the extent of the damage inflicted on Civil Defence Academy bunk, which was wrecked.

These personnel were later discovered to be SCDF officers in the 20th Section Commander Course (SCC).

Last day of training

The personnel shooting the video suggested that it could be the last day of their training, which could be the reason for the unruliness.

He also said unabashedly:

”It’s the last day man. Look at the dorm. It’s a ruckus!”

Bed frames were upended and litter strewn across the bunk.

While the video didn’t show any proof of them thrashing the bunk, one of the personnel could be seen throwing an ironing board across the room.

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Charged under Civil Defence Act

The SCDF announced on Facebook that disciplinary action was taken against those involved.

After investigations, SCDF found out that nine regulars and 14 NSFs were involved in the incident.

The nine regulars faced civil service disciplinary action and were liable for punishments ranging from letter of warning to dismissal, depending on the extent of their involvement in the incident.

The 14 NSFs were charged under the Civil Defence Act and were liable for punishments ranging from a fine to detention and demotion.

In addition to the 23 officers who faced disciplinary action, five other SCDF regular officers with supervisory roles received letters of warning or advice, the SCDF said.

Top image screenshot via video