Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Whether There Has Been an Increase in the Number of Road Touting Cases in the Past Five Years

Question:

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there has been an increase in the number of road touting cases in the past five years; and (b) what should motorists do if they suspect that they have fallen victim to a road tout.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   Touting is an offence under Section 32 of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act. Those convicted may be liable to a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, or to imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Between 2018 and 2022, the number of road touting Police reports has remained low, at two or fewer cases each year.

2.   That said, the figures may not represent the extent of road touting, as motorists may refer the matter to their insurers or settle it privately.

3.   Motorists who are approached by road touts are advised to remain calm, and disengage with the individuals involved. For those who suspect that they may have fallen victim to road touts, they should make a police report, and seek advice from their insurers or legal counsel if they wish to pursue civil remedies.