Hougang man allegedly told woman who had overstayed in S'pore for 3 years to hide in closet as ICA officers arrive

When ICA officers came to a Hougang flat in May, a 30-year-old man allegedly told the Indonesian woman living there to hide in a wardrobe.

He is also said to have instructed a 20-year-old man to delete messages from her phone.

Sharizal Saidon now faces three charges, according to Lianhe Zaobao, which cited an Immigration & Checkpoints Authority statement.

Three years

Alfira Mongan's special pass expired on May 19, 2023.

Sharizal is alleged to have helped her remain in Singapore unlawfully from the next day until May 26, 2026, without reasonable excuse.

That is just over three years.

He is also alleged to have allowed her to stay at his flat at Hougang during that period, despite knowing that she had overstayed.

The raid

The obstruction charge relates to May 26, 2026, when ICA officers came to the Hougang unit.

Sharizal is alleged to have obstructed them in carrying out their duties, telling Alfira to hide in a closet to avoid the search, and instructing a 20-year-old man to delete messages from her phone.

Barred

Alfira was convicted earlier and sentenced to 14 weeks' jail and a S$2,000 fine.

She has since completed her sentence, been repatriated, and barred from returning to Singapore.

What he faces

Knowingly harbouring an immigration offender carries between six months and two years’ jail, as well as a fine of up to S$6,000.

Negligently harbouring an immigration offender carries a fine of up to S$6,000, up to 12 months’ jail, or both.

Obstructing an immigration officer in the execution of their duty carries a fine of up to S$4,000, up to 12 months’ jail, or both.

Sharizal has been charged and has indicated he intends to plead guilty. His case has been adjourned to Nov. 2.