Members Of Public Presented With Public Spiritedness Award

On 7 May 2024, Central Police Division presented the Public Spiritedness Award to four members of the public for assisting the Police in two separate cases.

In the first case, on 21 January 2024, Mr Ong Kai Shiuan ("Mr Ong"), Mr Koay Peng Hui ("Mr Koay") and Mr Jiang Jun ("Mr Jiang") came across an 18-year-old teenager allegedly kicking and punching a 62-year-old taxi driver who was seen cowering on the ground. According to the three witnesses, the teen allegedly continued assaulting the taxi driver repeatedly even after he was on the ground. Seeing this, Mr Ong, Mr Koay and Mr Jiang shouted at the teen to stop but fled upon seeing them. The three men gave chase and managed to detain the teen until Police's arrival. The 18-year-old was arrested for public nuisance under Section 290 of the Penal Code 1871 and insulting a public servant under Section 6(3) of the Protection from Harassment Act 2014. The teen was charged in court on 22 January 2024.

In the second case on 21 February 2024, Mr Rames, a security manager at Marina Bay Sands ("MBS") was alerted to a case of theft at The Shoppes Singapore. Through CCTV footage, MBS managed to identify the two men, aged 39 and 61 who were allegedly involved in the case. Mr Rames provided the Police with the relevant information, which allowed plainclothes officers from the Central Police Division to conduct an ambush in the vicinity of Orchard Road where officers were able to detain them swiftly and without incident. The two men were arrested for theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code 1871. As a result of the initial arrests, another two men who were part of the same group were arrested for other offences.

The Police take a serious view of such acts and offenders will be dealt with to the fullest extent and in accordance with the law. If convicted, the offence of theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine or both. The offence of public nuisance under Section 290 of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term of up to three months, a fine or both, while the offence of insulting a public servant under Section 6(3) of the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 carries an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, a fine or both.

Mr Ong, Mr Koay, Mr Jiang and Mr Rames' vigilance and proactiveness led to the apprehension of the perpetrators. In both cases above, the individuals displayed commendable selflessness and courage in helping others in need and playing their part to ensure Singapore's safety and security.Deputy Commander of Central Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Tay said, "The award recipients today displayed commendable public-spiritedness, bravery and initiative in their response when they came across a person in need or when they spotted a crime. I would like to commend the four individuals who went above and beyond to assist and for being shining examples of our Singaporean everyday heroes.

Group Photo of Deputy Commander of Central Division, AC Paul Tay with Mr Rames, Mr Koay Peng Hui and Mr Jiang Jun (left to right)▼