Singapore Laws: Singapore is known for its strict laws and regulations which are put in place to maintain peace and order in the country. Whether you are an international student planning to study in Singapore or just going there for a trip, it is important to know about weird Singapore rules so that you don’t end up breaking one. Keep reading our blog further to make yourself aware of the rules and regulations in Singapore.
This Blog Includes:
- List of Top Strange Singapore Laws
- Importing or Selling the Chewing Gum is Forbidden
- Do Not Connect With Someone Else’s Wifi
- Smoking is Not Allowed Almost Everywhere in Singapore
- Refrain from Feeding Any Wildlife
- No Eating or Drinking on Public Transportation
- Refrain from Playing Musical Instruments in Public
- History Behind Singapore’s Strict Regulations
- FAQs
List of Top Strange Singapore Laws
Singapore is known for its strict laws, which may seem strange to outsiders. The table provided below carries a clear and organized view of Singapore’s unique laws, making it easier for students to understand the regulations and their implications before they move to city or during their stay:
| Law | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| No Chewing Gum | Selling/importing chewing gum (except for medicinal use) is banned. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| No Littering | Littering in public areas can lead to fines and community service. | Fine up to SGD 2,000 |
| No Spitting in Public | Spitting on streets and public spaces is prohibited. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| No Feeding Pigeons | Feeding pigeons in public areas is illegal. | Fine up to SGD 500 |
| Flushing Public Toilets Is Mandatory | Not flushing after use can result in a fine. | Fine of SGD 150 |
| Walking Around Naked in Your Own Home | Being seen naked by others from outside can lead to charges. | Fine up to SGD 2,000 |
| No Offensive Songs in Public | Singing songs with offensive lyrics in public is banned. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| No Eating/Drinking on Public Transport | Consuming food/drinks on buses/trains is prohibited. | Fine up to SGD 500 |
| No Smoking in Public Spaces | Smoking in parks, bus stops, and certain outdoor areas is banned. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| Graffiti Is Considered Vandalism | Graffiti is treated as vandalism with harsh penalties. | Caning + heavy fines |
| No Unauthorized Protests | Public protests require permits from authorities. | Fine up to SGD 5,000 |
| Bicyclists Must Follow Traffic Laws | Cyclists must wear helmets and use bike paths. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| No Jaywalking | Crossing roads outside of designated crossings is illegal. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| No Firecrackers | The sale and use of firecrackers are banned for safety. | Heavy fines |
| Censorship of Media | Films, books, and media deemed inappropriate are censored. | Varies based on offense |
| No Unauthorized Access to Wi-Fi | Using someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is hacking. | Fine up to SGD 10,000 |
| Regulated Sale of Alcohol | No buying/drinking alcohol in public after 10:30 PM. | Fine up to SGD 2,000 |
| No Cats in HDB Flats | Cats are generally not allowed in public housing. | Warning or fines |
| Restricted Photography | Photographing government buildings without permission is illegal. | Fine or imprisonment |
| No Urinating in Elevators | Elevators have sensors to detect urine; offenders are fined. | Fine and possible arrest |
Importing or Selling the Chewing Gum is Forbidden
This is a well-known rule in Singapore that started in 1992. It’s called the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum). According to it, bringing chewing gum into Singapore is not allowed, and if you do, you might have to pay a fine of up to SGD 100,000 or go to jail for up to two years. If it happens again, the fine goes up to SGD 200,000, and you could be in jail for up to 3 years.
There’s also a law called the Sale of Food (Prohibition of Chewing Gum) Regulations according to which you can’t sell or advertise chewing gum in Singapore. If you break this rule, you might have to pay a fine of up to SGD 2,000. These rules only apply to specific types of chewing gum, if it’s an ‘oral dental gum,’ then it’s okay.
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Do Not Connect With Someone Else’s Wifi
For business visitors in Singapore, it’s important to know that using someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is against the law. This is mentioned in section 6(1)(a) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993. If caught doing this, you could be fined up to SGD 10,000 and go to jail for up to 3 years. If it happens again, the fine goes up to SGD 20,000, and you might be in jail for up to 5 years. But, if you’re using free Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop, you don’t have to worry too much as the law is only about using Wi-Fi without permission.
Smoking is Not Allowed Almost Everywhere in Singapore
In Singapore, smoking is not only allowed in a lot of places. You can’t smoke indoors, on public transport, near bus stops, in public toilets, pools, eating areas, nightclubs, outdoor places like playgrounds, markets, exercise areas, near entrances or exits, and even in parking lots! The only place you can smoke is your own home (as long as neighbours are fine with it) or in special rooms for smoking. It’s probably better not to smoke at all.
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Refrain from Feeding Any Wildlife
Singapore is often called the ‘Garden City’ because it has many nature reserves and parks. In these tropical places, you will come across many different kinds of animals like long-tailed macaques, saltwater crocodiles, pangolins, otters, and more.
It’s important not to feed any of these animals when you visit. The Wildlife Act from 1965 says you can’t do that without permission from the Director-General of Wildlife Management. If you’re caught doing it, you might have to pay a fine, up to SGD 5,000, or even more if it happens again.
No Eating or Drinking on Public Transportation
A lot of people use Singapore’s public transport to move around the city, so it’s crucial to know about this special rule. The 1987 Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) Act makes it illegal to eat or drink at MRT stations and on MRT trains. You can’t even have plain water while you’re on the trains or in the stations, which is extra important to remember if you’re travelling in the hot summer months. If you don’t follow these rules, you might get a notice of offence and have to pay a fine, of up to SGD 500.
Refrain from Playing Musical Instruments in Public
In Singapore, there’s a law called the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act according to which you can’t play musical instruments in public if it’s likely to bother or cause inconvenience to others. If someone complains about the noise, the police can come to your place and take away the instrument. If you’re found guilty, you might have to pay a fine, of up to SGD 1,000, or face a conviction.
History Behind Singapore’s Strict Regulations
After gaining independence in 1965, Singapore faced high crime, unemployment, and poor sanitation. To overcome these challenges, its first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, implemented strict laws to maintain order and discipline. Zero tolerance for corruption, harsh penalties for crimes like vandalism, and public cleanliness initiatives transformed Singapore into a safe, clean, and prosperous nation.
The chewing gum ban, severe drug laws, and compulsory national service fostered social harmony and economic growth. These strict regulations attracted foreign investment, turning Singapore into a global economic powerhouse with one of the highest GDPs per capita and a high standard of living today.
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FAQs
Some strange laws in Singapore include the chewing gum ban, where chewing gum is illegal except for medicinal use, to keep public spaces clean. Littering is strictly prohibited and can result in fines or community service. Spitting in public is also illegal, ensuring hygiene is maintained. These laws help maintain Singapore’s reputation for cleanliness and orderliness.
Yes, chewing is banned in Singapore as per the 1992 government law which outlawed chewing gum.
On behalf of the government, the minister introduces a Bill in the Parliament which goes through 3 readings before receiving the President’s assent to become a law or a rule of parliament.
Some of the things that are prohibited in Singapore are –
-Owning or trading exotic animals
-Chewing gum
-Recreational fireworks
-E-cigarettes
-Public nudity
-Taking durian on public transportation
Tipping is not expected in Singapore instead a service charge will normally be added to your bill.
Some of the popular food items in Singapore are –
-Fish head curry.
-Hokkien prawn mee.
-Laksa
-Hainanese chicken rice.
Graffiti is considered a serious crime in Singapore and falls under the law of vandalism. The government has zero tolerance for any form of defacement of property, including walls and public transportation.
If you get caught chewing gum in Singapore (except for medicinal gum), you can face a fine of up to SGD 1,000. Repeat offenders may face even higher fines or imprisonment. The ban is part of the government’s effort to maintain public cleanliness, particularly on public transport and in public spaces.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the weird Singapore laws and rules. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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