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SINGAPORE: An officer from the National Park Board (NParks) who was stabbed while installing SafeEntry signs along the Sungei Serangoon Park connector on Monday (May 4) underwent surgery and is now recovering from his injuries.
The officer suffered serious injuries to his chest, arm and hand after he was allegedly attacked by a 61-year-old man, who was arrested Monday.
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The distancing security officer is in a stable condition, NParks said Tuesday in response to CNA inquiries.
READ: “Never approach people from behind”: How compliance officers and ambassadors handle the public
The stabbing occurred Monday after the officer and a colleague noticed that a man was not wearing a mask and illegally cutting plants.
When NParks officers approached and questioned him, the man became aggressive and allegedly attacked the victim with a sharp instrument before fleeing the scene, police said.
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The 61-year-old man was later arrested on Monday and will be charged in court on Wednesday for attempted murder.
If found guilty, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine. If such an act causes harm to a person, he faces life in prison.
“This is an atrocious act of violence inflicted on a public servant who was performing his duties. The man will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” police said.
READ: Police record a dozen reports of abuse against COVID-19 safe distance officers, including the man who hit the officer with the head
The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) and NParks said in a joint press release that they are “horrified and deeply concerned by the vicious attack.”
“We have zero tolerance for such acts … Any form of abuse or attack against public officials constitutes a serious crime, and criminals will be prosecuted in court.”
They also asked members of the public to cooperate when MEWR or NParks officers approach them, and to strictly adhere to safe distancing measures.
“Our thoughts go out to the officer and his family, and we are extending our support. We wish him a full and speedy recovery,” they said.
Safe distancing officers are being deployed in public places in Singapore during the “circuit breaker” period to encourage people to observe measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
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