During this ‘Circuit Breaker’, Singaporeans cannot leave their homes for non-essential trips or face the wrath of heavy fines and punishments.
Recently, a Singaporean youth was apprehended for carrying out loan shark harassment activities, breaking both the law and Covid-19 measures.
His illegal actions might result in 3-6 strokes of cane, a five-year jail term and a fine of between S$5,000 and S$50,000, reports Channel News Asia (CNA).
At around 12-6am on 9 Apr, 20-year-old Chua Jun Yong went to Blk 1 Holland Close to perform his loan shark harassment.
In the wee hours, he wrote “O$P$” on the lift landing wall with a black permanent marker alongside names and numbers, stated CNA.
Source
The 20-year-old also installed a bicycle lock on the resident’s flat.
As this was 2 days after the start of CB, the youth is not only facing charges for his crimes, but also for flouting social distancing rules, according to The Straits Times (ST).
Prior to this, the youth also performed similar acts of harassment on 6 Apr at Tampines Street 86 and Hougang Avenue 4.
Hence, he is facing 8 charges, including the 3 loan shark harassment incidents.
To make matters worse, one of these charges was for driving without the right license on 1 occasion.
According to ST, he is one of two Singaporeans facing an additional Covid-19 charge today (26 May).
The 20-year-old is turning 21 next week, which might leave him facing heavier penalties like caning, if he is found guilty after his birthday.
However, Chua said he’s still awaiting legal aid, complicating matters. The judge recommended that he pleads guilty before he turns 21.
Hence, the judge set 2 Jun for Chua to plead guilty, reports CNA.
Most of us are not intending to participate in such illegal activities, but there are still Covid-19 rules in place that prohibits us from going out.
As we exit the ‘Circuit Breaker’ next week, do continue to practice safe distancing and stay vigilant outdoors.
We certainly don’t recommend going out to commit illegal acts.
Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
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