Online claims of ‘floating prison’ in Singapore are untrue, says SPS
No “floating prison” has been launched in Singapore, said the Singapore Prison Service (SPS).
The SPS statement on Thursday (17 July) served to debunk social media posts that claimed such a facility had been opened.
Source: Google Maps
Instagram posts claim facility is located 500m off Singapore coast
SPS said it was aware of “several” posts circulating online about “the world’s first floating prison” built in Singapore.
One of the posts, made by an Instagram account @vision.motivee on 13 July, claimed the facility is located 500m off Singapore’s coast and holds more than 2,000 inmates.
It is purportedly also fully monitored by artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robot guards — meaning there are no bars.
Source: @vision.motivee on Instagram
The “floating prison” was launched “to solve overcrowding and land issues”, the post added.
Another Instagram post on 15 July, by the account @financian_, made the same claims together with a supposed image of the “floating prison”.
Source: @financian_ on Instagram
It also alleged that the facility aims to “reintegrate inmates into society with dignity and purpose” by also attending to their education, skills training, and rehabilitation.
No plans & no need for floating prison: SPS
SPS said the abovementioned online claims are all untrue.
SPS has never had any discussions or plans for a floating prison, it added, noting:
Nor is there a need.
Public urged not to spread misinformation
SPS urged members of the public not to spread misinformation.
They should also avoid being fooled by such “wild stories”, it said.
Members of the public are advised to refer to the SPS website and its social media platforms for official information.
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Featured image adapted from @financian_ on Instagram and @vision.motivee on Instagram.
