19-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) A 37-year-old Indian national has been fined S$400 by a Singapore court for defecating at the entrance of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (MBS), one of the city-state’s most prestigious shopping destinations.
Ramu Chinnarasa, a construction worker on a work permit in Singapore, pleaded guilty to one count of defecating in a public place under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of 30 October 2023, was captured on video and subsequently went viral on social media.
The court heard that Chinnarasa had consumed three bottles of hard liquor on the evening of 29 October before entering the MBS casino to gamble. Upon leaving the casino at approximately 5:20 am, the heavily intoxicated man felt the urgent need to relieve himself but was unable to locate a toilet in his inebriated state.
At 7:01 am, Chinnarasa was observed removing his trousers and defecating on the floor near the entrance of The Shoppes, adjacent to a restaurant. The location, accessible to the public, was clearly not designated for such purposes. After the act, which concluded at 7:11 am, Chinnarasa departed the premises without alerting anyone or attempting to clean up.
The incident came to light when a member of the MBS security team discovered a Facebook video depicting the act. Subsequent investigation of CCTV footage led to a police report being filed.
Chinnarasa left Singapore on 31 October 2023 but returned at a later date. He was eventually arrested in early June this year when attempting to re-enter the MBS casino, where security identified him as an “undesirable guest”.
During the court proceedings, District Judge Christopher Goh granted Chinnarasa a previous adjournment to raise funds for the fine. When the defendant, who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency and the lowest possible fine, Judge Goh delivered a stern admonition: “Do you know how to get a low fine? Don’t do this in public. Better still, don’t get yourself so drunk that this happens.”
The judge further emphasised through an interpreter that any repeat offence would result in a higher fine.
This case has sparked discussions about public decency, alcohol consumption, and the challenges faced by migrant workers in Singapore. It also highlights the strict enforcement of public health and cleanliness regulations in the city-state, known for its impeccable standards of public hygiene.
Under Singapore law, the offence of defecating in a public place carries a maximum fine of S$1,000 (£590). Repeat offenders face additional penalties of S$100 for each day or part thereof that the offence continues after conviction.
