Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Masagos Zulkifli, announced on Facebook today that there will be a fine of S$300 for the first safe distance offence, starting tomorrow (Apr. 12).
Stiffer penalty of S$300 fine for first offence starts tomorrow
In his post, Masagos said that over 3,000 written stern warnings were issued today (Apr. 11) by enforcement officers.
This is more than the number of written stern warning issued yesterday (Apr.10).
Almost 3,000 stern written warnings were issued during the Good Friday public holiday.
As "too many people are not taking the circuit breaker measures seriously", stiffer penalties will be rolled out.
Starting tomorrow (Apr. 12), any offender of circuit breaker measures encountered by the enforcement officers will be asked for their particulars immediately, and will face the following:
- 1st offence: S$300 fine
- Repeat offenders: Higher fines, or prosecution in court for some cases
Written warnings will no longer be issued by enforcement officers starting tomorrow, announced Masagos.
A lot of feedback received on circuit breaker measures
According to his post, Masagos mentioned that he received a lot of feedback on the circuit breaker measures, such as photos and videos of people who are not staying at home, or flouting safe distancing measures.
However, he asked that members of the public not send photos that are not originally theirs to enforcement offers as this could cause officers to waste time pursuing past events.
Masks to be mandatory for all food handlers and wet market stallholders
In addition to the announcement of stiffer fines, Masagos announced that it is mandatory for all food handlers and wet market stallholders to wear masks, starting from Apr. 13, 2020.
At the same time, he reiterated that all visitors to wet markets will need to wear masks, starting tomorrow (Apr. 12).
Those who do not adhere to this measure will be refused entry into the enter the 40 markets managed by NEA or NEA-appointed operators.
He ended his Facebook post by asking everyone to stay at home during this period.
You can read his full post here.
Top photo by Tan Chuan Jin/Facebook