Odd things that are illegal in Singapore

Sounds absurd, but it’s true. There were two cases back in 2016 where the offenders tapped into another person’s unsecured wireless network without permission, got caught, and were charged under Singapore's Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act. The punishment is a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Our advice: get your own connection or ask nicely.

It's globally known Singapore’s hard stand on drugs. But what happens if you dabble outside of the country? You can be charged with a crime if you take drugs outside of Singapore. If you’re unlucky enough to be tested when you come home, too bad – you should know and represent our country better. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is an offence for any citizen or permanent resident to consume drugs in Singapore and overseas. Offenders may face imprisonment of a minimum of 1 year and up to 10 years, or a fine not exceeding $20,000 or both. Say no to drugs, kids.

Our overseas friends may not realise this but vaping is illegal in Singapore. And shisha has been banned since 2016. If you’re caught with a vape or e-cigarette, fines for first-time offenders can start at $200 and go up to $2,000. You also can’t bring vapes into the country, nor distribute or sell them – same with shishas. If caught, these fines for vapes go up to $20,000 with a possible jail term of up to 12 months. Both shisha smoking and vaping are considered gateways to cigarette smoking for youths in Singapore, hence, the ban. If you’re a vaper visiting Singapore, we suggest you leave them at home. Or indulge in shisha across the border.

In other countries, if you’re a smoker, you may look out for “Do Not Smoke” signs. In Singapore, you look out for the signs allowing you to smoke. There aren’t a lot of places to do so. Not at bus stops or taxi stands, outside buildings (you have to be at least five metres away), parks, beaches, covered walkways, and well, the majority of the country. When in doubt, smoke at home, we say. Or quit.

Take a raincheck on that birthday suit, even if you only plan to strip and strut around in your own digs. Going nude in a private residential space is illegal – but with a caveat. You cannot go bare while exposed to public view. If someone spots and reports you, you’ll be fined $2,000, jailed for up to three months, or both. Be sure to draw your curtains before you let it all hang loose.

Thought you finally dodged the awful recorder when you left primary school? Not so fast – someone else might decide to play a bad rendition of Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On nearby. If one is playing an instrument in a public space in a manner that’s likely to cause annoyance to everyone else, the guilty party can be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to three months. This also applies to anyone singing lyrics that contain swear words, which is one of the reasons why you usually hear the clean version of your favourite song live on-stage in Singapore. 

OK, let’s get this straight – it’s not illegal to chew gum in Singapore. You’re not going to be handcuffed and jailed for working your chompers on some chewy Wrigley’s. However, there's a ban on importing or selling large quantities of chewing gum. And if you get caught doing the crime, then you’ll have to do the time. The first-time penalty can be as high as $100,000 or a prison sentence of up to two years.

Ever walked into a 7-Eleven past 10.30pm and the person behind the counter refused to sell you booze? Well, there’s a reason behind that. Selling and consuming alcohol in public places from 10.30pm to 7am is illegal, and can be punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or higher in certain Liquor Control Zones. With a licence, restaurants and bars are allowed to serve alcohol past the cut-off time. And if you want to continue drinking in the early hours in public places, you’ll have to apply for a special licence too. Otherwise, take the party inside.

The durian is pretty much a thorny subject. Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that the King of Fruits has a notoriously pungent scent that lingers around, even when it’s taken away. Though it’s not illegal, eating durian is banned in many public spaces, and carrying it is prohibited on public transport because of its smell. If you insist on taking with you on board the MRT, prepare to face a fine of up to $500.

Wrap up those loud family dinners and massive parties, and turn down the volume of your karaoke machine as any loud noises after 10pm is considered illegal. If the police are called and you don’t have any reasonable excuse to justify the loud noises, you can be issued a fine of up to $2,000.

It’s basic toilet etiquette to flush when you’re done with your business. But if you decide to leave your cubicle without flushing (for whatever bizarre reason), and an official who does random checks catches you with the little present you left in there, you can get slapped with a fine of $150, or up to $1,000. The rules of cleanliness don't just apply to the outdoors, you know. 

It’s not unusual to cross paths with wildlife in this concrete jungle. But think twice before tossing the crumbs of your leftover sarnie to a harmless pigeon or an inquisitive monkey as it can cost you $500 and up to $10,000 for multiple offences. You might want to keep a distance and hide your food as you might run the risk of getting followed, or worse, bitten.

If you cross the road during a red light or within 50-metres of a crossing zone (aka jaywalking), you can receive a fine of $20 on the spot. You can also be charged and fined for up to $1,000, or go behind bars for three months. And if you’re a repeat offender, expect the punishment to double up and so forth. So best stick to the traffic lights and only walk when the green man lights up.

It’s common courtesy to throw your rubbish in a bin. And there’s no excuse to litter in Singapore – bins are available in every nook and cranny of this city. While it isn’t uncommon for littering to be against the law, littering here can get you in trouble and fined up to $1,000. Done with a cigarette? Do us a solid, stub out that cig and put it in the bin. There’s a reason Singapore’s so clean and green, and for one, it's definitely not your personal ashtray.