50 fines and over 3,000 stern written warnings were issued by enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors for non-compliance with safe distancing measures yesterday (Apr. 11), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) said in a press release.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Masagos Zulkifli, also made an earlier announcement that there will be a fine of S$300 for the first safe distance offence, starting today (Apr. 12).

MEWR announced that written warnings will no longer be issued to those who do not comply with safe distancing measures.

Repeat offenders will face higher fines, or prosecution in court for egregious cases.

3,100 officers deployed

More than 3,100 enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors were deployed on Apr. 11, MEWR noted.

Police assistance was required for about 20 cases, where members of public were uncooperative.

In addition, two men are being investigated for offences under the Liquor Control Act and Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 for drinking at an HDB void deck along Marsiling Road at about 1.20am.

According to a press release by the National Environment Agency (NEA), the crowds on Apr. 11 were observed to be about 30 per cent to 50 per cent less compared to Apr. 10.

These include hotspot markets like Geylang Serai, Block 505 Jurong West Street 52, and Block 104/105 Yishun Ring Road.

However, 34 enforcement actions were taken against members of the public who disregarded safe distancing measures at markets and cooked food sections of hawker centres.

NEA also highlighted two cases where fines of $300 were imposed on two persons.

They were found loitering or sitting in and around the cooked food sections of hawker centres with no intention of purchasing food.

Case 1

A man was seen loitering at a pavilion near the market and hawker centre at Block 341 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 on Apr.11.

He refused to leave despite being advised to do so.

The police were activated.

His particulars were taken down, to be followed up with issuance of a written warning. The man then left the area, but returned after the police left.

NEA will be issuing the man with a composition fine of $300.

Case 2

A man was seen sitting on an unsecured chair within the hawker centre.

He was advised to leave by NEA enforcement officers after they had checked that he was not waiting for any food order.

However, he directed vulgarities towards the enforcement officers before flinging the chair against a wall outside the hawker centre.

Police assistance was sought.

NEA will be issuing the man with a composition fine of $300.

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Top photo from Masagos Facebook page.