The next time you’re thinking of expressing your frustration towards an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer – be it at Woodlands Checkpoint or Changi Airport – you may want to practise some restraint.
One French traveller was, according to a Facebook post by ICA, arrested and sentenced to 4 days’ imprisonment and fined $3,000 because he made offensive gestures at the ICA officers at Changi Airport Terminal One Departure Hall on 20 Sep 2019.
He had reportedly become agitated when the officers directed him for further checks.
It’s a real shame that he had to be arrested and jailed just before leaving the country — and perhaps heading home.
Had he only kept down his temper, he wouldn’t have had to go through that messiness.
The Protection from Harassment Act states that anyone who threatens, abuse or insults a public servant when they are carrying out their duties, may be punished by a fine not exceeding $5,000 or a jail term not exceeding 12 months.
Public servants doesn’t just mean police and ICA officers, it extends to all those under government employment.
For example, in Sep this year, actress Melissa Faith Yeo was charged in court for using vulgar language against an SMRT employee, a police officer and police hotline operator on separate occasions.
So remember, always respect civil officers.
Sometimes, processes like safety checks take a little longer than usual, but these officers are merely carrying out their duty and keeping Singapore safe.
Let them do their job, treat them with respect and dignity, and make Singapore a better place to live in.
Featured image adapted from CultureTrip.
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