26-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) A 37-year-old Singaporean man accused of illicitly photographing and filming an immigration officer at Woodlands Checkpoint has expressed his intention to plead guilty. Wong Jeo Wah, who appeared in the State Courts on Monday, 26 August, claimed he had not realised the gravity of his actions.
The incident, which occurred on 12 August, has brought to light the strict regulations surrounding protected areas such as checkpoints. Wong stands accused of capturing images and videos without authorisation at a departure lane counter, a violation of the Infrastructure Protection Act.
During Monday’s hearing, Wong, who appeared without legal representation, conveyed his astonishment at the seriousness of the offence to District Judge Lorraine Ho. “I did not realise that the offence was so serious that I was in remand,” he stated, according to court records. Wong affirmed his intention to plead guilty and declined to engage a lawyer.
The prosecution has requested a four-week adjournment to complete their investigations, which will include a forensic digital screening of Wong’s mobile phone. There is also a possibility of additional charges being brought forward.
The case has garnered significant attention due to its aftermath. A day following the incident, photos and videos of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer, along with his name, were uploaded to the Facebook group ‘Complaint Singapore’. The post alleged rudeness on the part of the officer.
In response, the ICA issued a statement on 15 August, clarifying that the driver had made “uncalled for remarks” when instructed to remove a sunshade from the right passenger window during immigration clearance. The authority also revealed that Wong had initially been given a stern warning and had agreed to delete the captured media. However, the subsequent online posting of the material prompted the ICA to refer the case to the police.
This incident underscores the stringent regulations surrounding protected areas in Singapore. Taking photographs or videos within checkpoint premises without proper authorisation is considered a serious offence. If convicted, Wong could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to S$20,000, or both.
The case has sparked discussions about privacy, security protocols at checkpoints, and the responsibilities of both officials and civilians in such sensitive areas. It also serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of social media activism without full awareness of legal implications.
Wong’s case is scheduled to return to court on 23 September. He is currently out on bail set at S$10,000
