Number of Cases of Public Urination or Similar Anti-Social Behaviour in the Past Three Years

Question:

Mr Mohd Fahmi Bin Aliman: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in the past three years, how many cases of public urination or similar anti-social behaviour have been reported; (b) how have these statistics changed over time; (c) what penalties or legal actions have been taken against individuals caught engaging in such behaviour; and (d) what steps will be taken to improve the deterrence of anti-social behaviour, including public urination.

Answer:

Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development:

1. The Police do not track cases of anti-social behaviour.

2. Depending on the nature of the conduct, such cases may be investigated by the relevant agencies. For example, for cases of public urination, in the absence of factors indicating criminal conduct, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will investigate and take action. Offenders are liable under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations to a maximum fine of $1,000 for the first conviction.

3. The Police may investigate such cases if a criminal offence is disclosed. This requires a case-by-case assessment of the nature and circumstances of the conduct in question. For example, an offence of Public Nuisance may be made out if the offender’s act causes any injury, danger, or annoyance to the public.

4.   Deterring anti-social behaviour requires a whole-of-society approach, with the Government playing a part through education and enforcement. In the case of public urination, NEA adopts a firm enforcement approach, and also works with stakeholders such as community leaders, town councils and schools to foster social responsibility towards keeping public spaces clean.