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SINGAPORE – A 58-year-old Singaporean man was charged in court on Friday (March 19) with making false statements in his application to opt out of serving a stay-at-home notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Authority said. Control Points (ICA).
Vijeyakumar Z Joseph allegedly stated in a physical declaration form at Changi Airport on November 22 last year that he had not traveled, in the 14 consecutive days before entering Singapore, to any other country or region other than those listed, ICA said.
But it emerged that he had allegedly returned from Jakarta, Indonesia, which is not on the list.
Since November 2 last year, travelers from selected countries, which do not include Indonesia, can request to opt out of serving their SHN in dedicated facilities and to do so in a place of residence subject to criteria.
The updated list of countries is available on the ICA website.
“Vijeyakumar allegedly also stated on the form that he would be occupying his place of residence alone or with household members with the same travel history as him and serving his SHN for the same duration,” ICA added.
He was then served with an SHN at his place of residence in Ang Mo Kio from November 22 to December 6.
During checks on November 25 last year, law enforcement officers allegedly found him living with his older brother and father, who did not share his travel history.
Those found guilty of knowingly providing false or misleading information when required to do so by the Infectious Diseases Act can be fined up to $ 10,000 and jailed for no more than six months.
Vijeyakumar returns to court on April 9.
Since August 11 last year, all travelers serving SHN outside of the dedicated facility are required to use an electronic monitoring device during their SHN period.
This enhanced surveillance regime allows the government to adopt a more risk-based approach. Travelers from selected countries and regions could also attend their 14-day SHN at a place of residence, ICA said.
He also warned people “to submit true and accurate information for all health, travel and SHN related statements” or they will face “firm enforcement action.”
“Strict compliance with SHN requirements is key to safeguarding the health and safety of our population,” added ICA.
“All travelers who choose to attend their SHN at their place of residence must remain there at all times. Their movements will be monitored by electronic monitoring and random physical checks.”
Those who do not meet the SHN requirements, including individuals who tamper with and remove the electronic monitoring device during the SHN period, can be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Regulations (Covid-19 – Suspension Orders).
If convicted of a crime, they can be jailed for up to six months and fined no more than $ 10,000.
Members of the public can report anyone who does not meet SHN requirements to ICA on this website or at 6812 5555.
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