NS defaulter, 60, used fake M'sian passports 876 times over 5 years to enter S'pore

A 60-year-old Singaporean who evaded national service (NS) obligations in the 1990s used fake Malaysian passports to enter and exit Singapore to hide his identity from the authorities.

Between 2006 to 2011, Low Eng Kheng used fake Malaysian passports 876 times at different checkpoints in Singapore, The Straits Times reported.

Evading NSman obligations

Low had left Singapore for Malaysia in the early 1990s to evade obligations as an operationally ready national serviceman (NSman).

He continued living in Malaysia and did not return to Singapore, even after his Singapore passport expired in June 2000.

According to ST, in 2006, Low wanted to visit Singapore due to his mother's declining health.

However, he did not dare to use his real identity as he believed he was wanted for failing to fulfil his NSman obligations.

Low then bought a fake Malaysian passport from an unknown individual for RM45,000 (S$13,533).

The passport had his photo but contained a different name and date of birth.

Subsequently, Low acquired three more Malaysian passports between 2008 to 2010, paying RM10,000  (S$3,000) to the same unknown individual for each one.

Low used the four fake passports a total of 876 times across various checkpoints in Singapore between 2006 to 2011.

Arrest

ST reported that in September 2023, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) launched an investigation into Low as he was found to be someone with multiple identities.

Low was arrested in August 2024.

Low's lawyer, Thomas Tham, said during mitigation that Low did not use the Malaysian passport to enter Singapore to commit crimes, but to work as a driver to support his wife and children.

Low was sentenced to eight months and 18 weeks' jail with effect from Aug. 28, 2024.

Multimodal biometric clearance systems

The multimodal biometric clearance systems, which scan the iris, face, and fingerprints, have been installed at Singapore's checkpoints since July 2020, ST reported, citing an ICA spokesman.

The system makes detecting and denying entry to those with multiple or impersonated identities easier.

Top image via Immigration & Checkpoints Authority/Facebook and The Singapore Army/FB