S'porean driver, 37, gets 2 new charges for lying to police & 'abusive communication' towards ICA officer

A 37-year-old Singaporean man was handed two new charges on Oct. 18 for allegedly sharing details of an Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer online and lying to a police officer about it.

According to charge sheets, Wong Jeo Wah had allegedly made "abusive communication" about the officer by posting the officer's rank, name, photos and videos on Facebook on Aug. 13 using an account called "Sky Sg".

He later denied to the police that he was the account owner.

This follows an incident on Aug. 12 at Woodlands Checkpoint where he was instructed by the officer to remove his car's right passenger window sunshade during departure immigration clearance.

Shared details of ICA officer on Facebook, lied to police

According to a Facebook statement by ICA on Aug. 15, Wong had made "uncalled for remarks" at the officer after he was told to remove the window sunshade.

Wong then took photographs and videos of the officer, who was reporting the incident to his supervisor.

The driver was issued a warning by ICA after being diverted to the Duty Office, and agreed to delete the footage.

However, Wong uploaded the officer's details on Aug. 13 at 2pm via the "Sky Sg" Facebook account.

Under the post, which has since been removed, he also alleged that the officer at the counter was "rude".

During investigations on Aug. 16 at around 6:53pm, Wong then allegedly gave false information to a police officer by claiming that he was not the account owner.

This led to the omission of investigations into Wong for the incident at Woodlands Checkpoint on Aug. 12.

Penalties

Wong was previously charged for taking photos and videos without permission at Woodlands Checkpoint on Aug. 12.

It is an offence to do so as the location is a protected area.

The case has been adjourned to November 2024, according to CNA.

If found guilty of taking photos and videos while in a protected area without permission, Wong may face up to two years' jail, fined up to S$20,000, or both.

If found guilty of abusive communication against a public servant in the execution of his duty, he may face up to one year in jail, fined up to S$5,000, or both.

For giving false information to a public servant, he may face up to two years' jail, fined, or both.

Top photo via Immigration & Checkpoints Authority/Facebook