Law and home affairs minister K Shanmugam has weighed in on the rejection of Permanent Residence renewal of a 45-year-old man who breached the Stay-Home Notice during this Covid-19 outbreak season.

In his short post, Shanmugam responded to feedback that the PR renewal rejection appeared harsh in response to the man's transgression.

However, Shanmugam said the authorities needed to show that it will take strong action against those who do not cooperate during this time:

But the deliberate breaking of the rules, in the current situation, calls for swift and decisive response. During this period we need everyone to cooperate. People need to know that we will not hesitate to take strong action.

Shanmugam also reiterated that contact tracing is essential to contain the virus, highlight how a couple has been charged under the Infectious Diseases Act for giving false information.

This is his post in full:

[Rejection of PR renewal of person who breached SHN : Covid-19]

We have refused to allow the renewal of PR of a person who breached his Stay-Home Notice (SHN). He wilfully disregarded his SHN, which required him to remain at home at all times for 14 days. He was served with the SHN because he had travelled to China recently. He did not respond to phone calls and was also not at his declared residence when ICA officers conducted checks. He later insisted on leaving Singapore before the SHN was completed.

Some people said that this may be a bit harsh. But the deliberate breaking of the rules, in the current situation, calls for swift and decisive response. During this period we need everyone to cooperate. People need to know that we will not hesitate to take strong action.

Another couple has been charged under the Infectious Diseases Act for giving false information to MOH, obstructing contact tracing efforts. Contact tracing is an essential step in containing the virus.