Sun Xueling: Police do not track anti-social behaviour cases, agencies handle based on nature of incidents
The Police do not specifically track cases of anti-social behaviour; instead, relevant agencies investigate such incidents based on their nature. This was stated by Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling in response to a parliamentary question on public urination cases and measures to deter such behaviour.
SINGAPORE: Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling has stated that The Police do not track cases of anti-social behaviour but relevant agencies may investigate such incidents based on their nature.
She made these remarks in response to a parliamentary question filed by Marine Parade GRC MP Mohd Fahmi Aliman.
He had asked how many cases of public urination or similar anti-social behaviour had been reported over the past three years, how these statistics have changed over time, what penalties have been imposed, and what steps will be taken to improve deterrence.
Sun explained that cases such as public urination, in the absence of factors indicating criminal conduct, fall under the purview of the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations, offenders can face a maximum fine of S$1,000 for a first conviction.
However, she noted that The Police may investigate if a criminal offence is disclosed, with each case assessed individually based on its nature and circumstances.
She cited public nuisance laws, stating that an offence could be established if the act causes injury, danger, or annoyance to the public.
To deter anti-social behaviour, Sun emphasised the need for a whole-of-society approach, where the Government plays a role through education and enforcement.
Specifically for public urination, she stated that NEA adopts a firm enforcement approach and works with community leaders, town councils, and schools to promote social responsibility in maintaining cleanliness in public spaces.
Three Public Urination Cases at MRT Stations Spark Public Concern
In January, three cases of public urination were reported in Singapore.
Li Guorui, 41, was fined S$2,000 for urinating on the escalator handrail at Outram Park MRT while intoxicated.
Soo Fook Khan, 53, was charged for urinating on Tanah Merah MRT’s platform and faces a separate charge for allegedly harassing a borrower for an unlicensed moneylender.
Zhou Hongwei, 57, was charged for urinating in front of the passenger service centre at Potong Pasir MRT.
These incidents, occurring within a week, drew public attention and sparked discussions on public hygiene and conduct.
