Woman who refused to wear mask in viral clip at MBS on trial for similar alleged offence committed in 2020

The woman at the heart of a viral video clip in which she was seen arguing with a safe distancing ambassador (SDA) over her refusal to wear a mask at Marina Bay Sands is currently being tried for a similar offence allegedly committed last year.

Phoon Chiu Yoke, 53, is being charged for failing to wear a mask over her nose and mouth “at all times” at Newton Hawker Centre between 7.20 pm and 8 pm on 8 May last year — some time during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period.

She was seen heading toward the State Courts building on Monday (24 May) without a mask on and had only put it on near the entrance. Phoon had also attempted to remove her mask in court, but was ordered by District Judge A. Sangeetha to keep it on throughout the proceedings.

Other than the case she is being tried for, Phoon had reportedly committed a similar offence elsewhere in at least two places, based on videos: VivoCity in February this year, and Clarke Quay Central in December last year, The Straits Times reported.

Phoon took out her mask after leaving the court at around 3 pm today.

Those found guilty of breaching COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act regulations can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to S$10,000.

Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000.