Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has cancelled the passport of a 53-year-old male Singapore Citizen, Goh Illya Victor, for breaching the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirements. The case has also been referred to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for investigation.
This sends a clear message to all residents of Singapore, irrespective of their status that government authorities will be handling delinquent behaviour in a very strict manner.
Wilful Breach of the SHN Requirements
The Government had announced that with effect from 16 March 2020, 2359 hours, all travellers entering Singapore with travel history to any ASEAN countries within the previous 14 days would be issued an SHN and must remain in their place of residence at all times for a 14-day period.
Goh had travelled from Singapore to Batam, Indonesia, on 3 March 2020, and returned to Singapore via Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on 19 March 2020. Upon his entry, he was served with an SHN due to his recent travel history to Indonesia.
However, he then decided to return to Indonesia on the same day, despite ICA officers warning him that he would breach the SHN requirements and could face penalties.
On 24 March 2020, he returned to Singapore from Indonesia through the Singapore Cruise Centre, and was issued with a second 14-day SHN from 24 March 2020 to 7 April 2020.
An ICA news clarified, "Goh has displayed irresponsible conduct by not complying with the requirements of his first SHN, departing Singapore on 19 March 2020 and then returning to Singapore on 24 March 2020. In view of the wilful breach, ICA has cancelled his passport and referred the case to MOH for investigation into his breach of SHN requirements."
Importance of Complying with SHN
ICA will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against those who fail to comply with the SHN requirements. Besides cancellation of their immigration facilities, they can also be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations, and face a fine of up to $10,000, or up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.
ICA reminds all travellers to ensure that they submit complete and accurate travel declarations. From 27 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Singapore, including Singapore residents, must submit a health and travel declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance.
Travellers will be required to provide their health status and recent travel history, as well as personal particulars and contact details. Anyone who makes a false or misleading declaration will be liable to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. The penalty for providing false or misleading information is a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. For subsequent offence(s), the penalty is a fine up to S$20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months. For non-Singaporeans, we may additionally take other administrative actions such as revocation of, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain in Singapore.
Members of public can report any information on those who did not comply with SHN requirements to ICA at go.gov.sg/reportshnbreach or 6812 5555.