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NDTV
21 hours ago
- NDTV
Planning A Trip To Singapore? These 10 Strange Laws Might Surprise You - And Save You From Trouble
We all love to travel. There is something magical about boarding a plane and stepping into a country that feels like a different world. For Indian travellers especially, Singapore is often high on the bucket list. The country is close, clean and packed with futuristic gardens, street food wonders and enough shopping to keep your bags – and heart – full. But before you start planning your picture-perfect Singapore itinerary, here is something you should definitely know: in this squeaky-clean, ultra-safe country, there are rules. Quite a few of them. And some may sound so unusual that you will do a double-take. But break them, and it is not just a warning you will get. We are talking fines, jail, and yes – even caning. Here is a simple rundown of ten laws that might sound bizarre but are taken very seriously in Singapore. Bookmark this before you go! 1. Leave the chewing gum at home If you are someone who cannot go a day without a minty chew, Singapore is not the place for it. Since 1992, chewing gum has been banned. Chewing gum in public isn't illegal, but littering is strictly enforced. Fines apply to anyone who discards gum improperly. Why so serious? Because the law was introduced to stop people from sticking gum on subway doors, public spaces and lift buttons. And honestly, that is partly why Singapore stays so pristine. 2. Drugs? Just don't If you think you will be fine with just 'a small amount,' think again. Singapore's drug laws are among the harshest in the world. Even trace amounts of drugs in your system – including substances you consumed before arriving – can get you in trouble. Possession? Long-term jail. Trafficking? Death penalty. It's not just a scare tactic – it is strictly enforced. In some cases, even medicinal CBD oil products could land you in hot water. 3. Don't even think about vandalism That doodle on a wall? Or a sticker slapped on a lamppost? Singapore sees that as vandalism – and it is punishable. Jail, hefty fines and caning (yes, physical caning with a rattan stick on your backside) are very real consequences. 4. Mind that smoke You cannot light up just anywhere. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas – and that includes cigarettes and e-cigarettes. In fact, owning a vape can land you in legal trouble too. Smoke near bus stops or building entrances? You could be fined. Most indoor places are strict no-go zones. 5. Flushing Under Singapore's Environmental Public Health (Public Toilets) Regulations, anyone using a public toilet with a flushing system must flush after use—it's a legal requirement. Additionally, owners or occupiers of buildings must ensure these toilets are properly maintained, with essentials like toilet paper, soap or detergent, litter bins, and clean towels or hand dryers always available. 6. Jaywalking is a big no-no Unlike cities where darting across the road is a sport, Singapore wants you to cross only at designated spots. Fines for jaywalking in Singapore typically range from SGD 20 to SGD 50 (Rs 1,200-3,000). This rule helps keep things orderly and avoids unnecessary accidents. Pedestrian crossings are everywhere – so it is easy to follow. 7. No protests without permission Want to start a rally or join a protest? You will need a police permit. Spontaneous gatherings – even peaceful ones – can get you arrested. The government keeps a tight rein on public order, and unauthorised demonstrations, no matter the cause, are treated as criminal offences. 8. No spitting. Anywhere. Ever. It is unhygienic, it is rude – and in Singapore, it is illegal. If you are caught spitting in public, expect a fine. It is part of the country's strict commitment to cleanliness. 9. No booze in public after 10:30 PM You might be the life of the party, but if you are drinking in a public space after 10:30 PM, you are breaking the law. Drinking is restricted in public areas overnight – though licensed venues are exempt. Planning a beachside beer? Just make sure it's not during restricted hours. 10. Don't feed the wildlife Under Singapore's Wildlife Act, feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited unless you have written approval from the Director-General. Even with approval, you must follow all stated conditions. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to SGD 5,000 for a first offence, and up to SGD 10,000 for repeat offences. Final Word: Singapore Is Worth It Yes, the laws are strict. But they are also the reason this country is one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient places you will ever visit. Want to marvel at Gardens by the Bay, sip laksa in Chinatown, and stroll through Little India without worry? Just follow the rules. It's not hard – be respectful, stay informed and keep your gum at home.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
ByteDance food poisoning case: Eatery chain charged, chicken dish allegedly had bacteria
Yun Hai Yao had been suspended by the Singapore Food Agency after 169 people at ByteDance had gastroenteritis. - HESTER TAN, LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE: Eatery chain Yun Hai Yao was hauled to court on Wednesday (June 4) over the ByteDance mass food poisoning case in 2024 which affected 169 people. The wok-fried diced chicken it catered to ByteDance's office in One Raffles Quay on July 30, 2024, allegedly contained bacteria, according to court documents. More than 10 live cockroaches were also allegedly found on Yun Hai Yao's premises in Northpoint City on July 31 the same year. The company, which is from China, and more commonly known here as Yun Nans, faces two charges – one under the Sale of Food Act and another under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations. A Singapore Food Agency (SFA) prosecutor said the agency was seeking a S$5,000 fine in total for the two charges. Yun Hai Yao's chief executive Lu Zhi Tao appeared in court on behalf of the company. He told the court the company intends to plead guilty and is not engaging a lawyer. Charge sheets state that Yun Hai Yao's chicken dish catered to ByteDance had coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus counts with Staphylococcus enterotoxin A genes. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in the environment and on human skin or in noses. It can cause food poisoning when it is introduced into food during the production process, particularly when good hand hygiene is not practised. Symptoms can include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Meanwhile, the cockroaches at the eatery's Northpoint City outlet were found beneath a folded grey plastic mat behind a rack on the licensed premises, according to court documents. The company is scheduled to plead guilty on July 2. Yun Hai Yao, along with another caterer, Pu Tien Services, had been suspended by SFA from July 31, 2024, after 169 people at ByteDance had gastroenteritis after eating food supplied by the two caterers. A total of 17 people were hospitalised after the food poisoning incident. Pu Tien Services was given the green light by SFA on Aug 10 that year to resume operations. Yun Hai Yao's suspension was lifted by SFA on Aug 16 after it took the necessary measures, including cleaning and sanitising its premises, and disinfecting food preparation surfaces, tables and floors. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
ByteDance food poisoning case: Eatery chain charged, chicken dish allegedly had bacteria
Yun Hai Yao had been suspended by SFA after 169 people at ByteDance suffered gastroenteritis after eating food supplied by the two caterers. PHOTOS: HESTER TAN, LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE - Eatery chain Yun Hai Yao has been hauled to court on June 4 over the ByteDance mass food poisoning case in 2024 which affected 169 people. The wok fried diced chicken it catered for ByteDance's office in One Raffles Quay on July 30, 2024, allegedly contained bacteria, according to court documents. More than 10 live cockroaches were also allegedly found at Yun Hai Yao's premises in Northpoint City on July 31 the same year. The company, which is from China, and more commonly known here as Yun Nans, faces two charges - one under the Sale of Food Act, and another under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations. A Singapore Food Agency (SFA) prosecutor said they were seeking a $5,000 fine in total for the two charges. Yun Hai Yao's chief executive officer Mr Lu Zhi Tao, appeared in court on behalf of the company. He told the court the firm intends to plead guilty and is not engaging a lawyer. Charge sheets state that Yun Hai Yao's chicken dish catered for ByteDance had coagulase positive Staphylococcus Aureus counts with Staphylococcus Enterotoxin A genes. Staphylococcus Aureus is commonly found in the environment and on human skin or in noses. It can cause food poisoning when it is introduced into food during the production process, particularly when good hand hygiene is not practised. Casualties transferred into a Mass Decontamination Vehicle outside One Raffles Quay on July 30, 2024. PHOTO: ST FILE Symptoms can include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Meanwhile, the cockroaches at the eatery's Northpoint City outlet were found beneath a folded grey plastic mat behind a rack in the licensed premises, according to court documents. The company is scheduled to plead guilty on July 2. Yun Hai Yao, along with another caterer Pu Tien Services, had been suspended by SFA from July 31, 2024 after 169 people at ByteDance suffered gastroenteritis after eating food supplied by the two caterers. A total of 17 people were hospitalised after the food poisoning incident. Pu Tien Services was given the green light by SFA on August 10 that year to resume operations. Yun Hai Yao's suspension was lifted by SFA six days later, after it took the necessary measures, including cleaning and sanitising its premises, and disinfecting food preparation surfaces, tables and floors. Christine Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times reporting on crime, justice and social issues in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
6 days ago
- Business
- CNA
One of two caterers behind mass food poisoning incident at ByteDance office charged in court
SINGAPORE: One of the two caterers involved in a mass food poisoning incident at the Singapore office of TikTok owner ByteDance last July was charged in court on Wednesday (Jun 4). A total of 130 people reported having gastroenteritis symptoms, and 57 were taken to the hospital on the day of the incident on Jul 30 last year. The ByteDance office is located at One Raffles Quay. Caterer Yunhaiyao was handed two charges under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations and the Sale of Food Act. Yunhaiyao, which is located at Northpoint City, was said to have failed to ensure that its premises were free from cockroach infestations. On Jul 31, 2024, while engaged in the preparation of food for sale, Yunhaiyao's premises were said to have more than 10 live cockroaches, found under a folded grey plastic mat behind a rack. A day before, on Jul 30, 2024, Yunhaiyao allegedly sold food which was not of the quality demanded by ByteDance. The caterer sold "wok-fried diced chicken" that was found to contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The company has indicated that it will plead guilty, and its next mention has been fixed for Jul 2. The prosecution is seeking fines for both charges.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
The Blackbird fined $850 after 40 people fell ill from their food, multiple lapses found at Gillman Barracks site
The Blackbird fined $850 after 40 people fell ill from their food, multiple lapses found at Gillman Barracks site The Blackbird was fined $850 for food safety lapses committed under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations on May 14. In December 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of gastroenteritis (stomach flu) involving 40 individuals who had consumed food prepared by The Blackbird. None were hospitalised. A joint investigation by MOH and SFA was conducted at the live music bar, located at 8 Lock Road in Gillman Barracks, where multiple food safety lapses were found. "These included a dirty chiller, which increases the risk of cross contamination in food items, as well as food samples of ready-to-eat sandwiches collected during the investigation that failed SFA's food safety tests," the statement added. SFA said food business operators should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained, and adhere to proper food hygiene and safety requirements. Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine of up to $2,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine of up to $100 for every day or part thereof during the continuance of the offence after conviction. Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices or illegal activities in food establishments are advised not to patronise them, and provide feedback to the SFA via its online feedback form at . Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
