Singapore Law, Singapore Customs, and the Singapore Police work in close collaboration to maintain social harmony. Singapore’s legal system is both strict and efficient, drawing from the English common law tradition. The Singapore Police Force is renowned for its integrity, well-trained officers, and expertise in de-escalation techniques. Composed primarily of national servicemen, they serve their communities with a gentle touch, using intelligence to combat crime effectively. Additionally, Singapore Customs play a vital role in promoting harmony by ensuring that people refrain from theft, cheating, and physical altercations.
Singapore enforces a strict stance on drug offenses. The penalty for drug importation is death, while drug use leads to imprisonment and deportation. it is worth noting that Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) are legally prohibited from sampling drugs while aboard. Singaporeans will accept with out open judgement if you discuss former drug use but you will cause some embarrassment and unease, so best not to be so open. Visitors with valid immigration status rarely encounter police interactions. Plainclothes officers issue on-the-spot fines for smoking Tabaco cigarettes’ in undesignated areas or littering (such as cigarette butts).
While Singaporeans generally avoid physical altercations, Western visitors occasionally engage in bar fights. In such cases, swift resolution is crucial to maintain immigration status. When groups of individuals gang up on a victim during a fight, it may be deemed gang-related activity. Although such violence is uncommon, it can lead to imprisonment and deportation. Interestingly, Singaporeans rarely chastise or openly comment on each other’s behavior. Public arguments and raised voices are rare among a population that shares a common understanding of agreed social norms. Rather than weakness, this reflects the strength of good manners in a country that is too small to afford the social friction seen in the extremes of expressed views in the USA and UK.
“Drug laws”, Singapore has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug offences. Possession, consumption, trafficking, or manufacturing of any controlled drugs is illegal and punishable by severe penalties, such as imprisonment, caning, or even death. You may also be subjected to random urine tests or searches by the authorities if you are suspected of drug involvement. You should avoid any contact with drugs or drug-related activities while in Singapore.
Do not bring drugs to Singapore there is an active death penalty for small quantities, that other nations might excuse as “personal use”. If a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident is tested positive for drugs on his or her return to Singapore, he or she could face a jail term. This is how seriously drug abuse is taken in Singapore, drugs are not a subject of polite public conversation.
“Littering laws”, Singapore is famous for its cleanliness and environmental standards. Littering is an offence that carries a fine of up to $2,000 for the first conviction, and up to $10,000 for subsequent convictions. You may also be required to perform corrective work orders, such as picking up litter in public places. You should dispose of your waste properly and use the designated bins provided. A plain-clothed environmental officer may video you smoking a cigarette and discarding the butt end, then approach you with the evidence and fine you on the spot or offer you a court appearance. The same goes for smoking in prescribed areas.
“Chewing gum laws”, Singapore has a ban on the import, sale, and manufacture of chewing gum, except for therapeutic purposes. This is to prevent the public nuisance and damage caused by discarded gum. If you are caught chewing gum, you may face a fine of up to $2,000. You should refrain from bringing or chewing gum while in Singapore. Warning: Do not head for immigration chewing gum. For an American, chewing a cum is nothing, for an immigration officer it could be grounds for a night in a holding cell waiting for a return flight to the USA.
“Smoking laws”, Singapore has strict regulations on smoking in public places. Smoking is prohibited in most indoor locations, such as shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, and buses. Smoking is also banned in some outdoor areas, such as playgrounds, bus stops, and parks. You can only smoke in designated smoking areas or on your premises. If you are caught smoking in a prohibited place, you may face a fine of up to $1,000. You should check the signs and notices before you light up a cigarette.
“Alcohol laws”, Singapore has restrictions on the consumption and sale of alcohol in public places. You are not allowed to consume alcohol in public places from 10:30 pm to 7:00 am daily. You are also not allowed to buy takeaway alcohol from retail outlets during these hours. If you are caught drinking or buying alcohol in public places during prohibited hours, you may face a fine of up to $1,000. You should limit your alcohol intake and drink responsibly.
“Return your Food Tray”, yes it became law as an act of parliament as Singapore came out of COVID to promote public health in the food courts. I have not seen anyone fined for leaving a foot court table littered. Police don’t patrol food courts, people clear their tables and cleaning staff not so much, staff clean tables between users. Originally for hygiene reasons, now a simple social change initiative that makes tables available faster.