Fine City. How to Stay on the Right Side of the Law?
So, you’re an expat in Singapore, walking down the street having just chowed down on your favorite choco bar. Looking around, you don’t see a garbage bin in sight. You might think it’s OK to discard your wrapper then and there - just this once. It’s just one small wrapper, after all. However, don’t be surprised if you get slapped with a steep $300 fine by a police officer.
Despite its modernity, Singapore is still officially and legally a conservative country. On certain issues, its laws may even be viewed as authoritarian by outsiders. That being said, as a guest of another country, the least you can do is respect and obey their laws. The last thing you want to do is land in legal trouble, especially in a country that’s not your own. To keep safe, and make the best of your time in Singapore, it’s in your own interest to make yourself aware of these laws.
Singapore: Weed and the law
Marijuana, Weed, Cannabis, Ganja, Hashish, Grass. Whatever you want to call it, the “green wave” seems to be gathering momentum all over the globe. Even big-name celebrities like Mike Tyson are getting in on the action, opening a 400-acre weed ranch in California. So, you might be thinking that as a modern country with its fair share of expats, Singapore must be lenient on the green stuff too. Maybe, you’re thinking of getting your own hands on some, or following in Mike Tyson’s footsteps.
Not so fast. There’s no room for uncertainty when it comes to Singapore’s stance on weed. In fact, Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act is one of the strictest in the world.
Usually, especially in Western countries, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. However, when it comes to drug enforcement in Singapore, it’s more like “guilty until proven innocent”.
Punishment for any related crimes can be as high as $20,000 fines, 10 years in prison, or the death penalty. To remove any gray area, even Singaporeans caught using drugs outside of Singapore can face a fine or jail time. You can find the complete Misuse of Drugs Act here as well as the prescribed limits for punishment. To give you an idea, possession of 500 grams or more of Cannabis could land you the death penalty. If you’re coming to Singapore, also be aware that officials have the right to administer random drug tests.
Where does Singapore stand on other issues?
LGBTQ rights
Officially, homosexuality is illegal in Singapore and same-sex relations or marriage is not allowed. Overseas gay marriages are also not recognised. However, ‘officially’ seems to be the operative word here. Lionel Yeo, who serves on Singapore’s tourism board, has said LGBTQ visitors are welcome in Singapore. While illegal, the laws generally aren’t enforced and many believe it’s only a matter of time before they are repealed. Gay establishments also operate freely within Singapore, and it’s not hard to find one with a simple Google search.
Prostitution
After what you’ve read so far, you might be surprised to know that prostitution (in certain forms) is legal in Singapore. That puts Singapore in the company of a number of European and a couple of Asian countries on this issue. In a practical move, Singapore decided to regulate the industry, instead of criminalizing and driving it underground. As a result, there are government-related brothels where workers are required to have regular medical checkups and carry health cards.Despite this, there are still some unlicensed and illegal establishments offering these services, such as karaoke bars and massage parlours. Public (or online) solicitation is also illegal as well as male-to-male prostitution.
Other laws in Singapore to be aware of
Aside from the hot-button issues above, there are some smaller offences that could land you in a bit of hot water as well:
Selling chewing gums.
Annoying someone with a musical instrument or singing obscene songs in a public space
Smoking of duty unpaid cigarette
Blocking someone way
Spitting in public (do we even need a law for this one?)
Using someone else’s Wi-Fi without their consent
Not flushing the toilet
Being nude in your home if people can see in from outside
Feeding pigeons
Littering (hey, there’s a reason Singapore’s streets are so squeaky clean)
Jaywalking (be safe, guys)
When in Singapore, do as the Singaporeans do. Whenever you are visiting or living in another country, you are subject to that country’s laws, whether you like it or not. As a welcomed guest, you should return the favor by respecting the locals, their laws and their government.
To Singaporeans, stricter laws than most are a fair exchange for a high quality of living, pristinely clean city, a low crime rate, and stability.
Singapore also has plenty of legal activities to keep you busy, and you shouldn’t put yourself at risk just for a bit of extra fun.
