5 Strict Laws in Singapore You Must be Familiar With

Singapore is known as one of the wealthiest city-state in the world. From what used to be a swampland, the city-state indisputably took on an amazing transformation over the decades. The famous Marina Bay Sands now dominate the skyline, colors bustle to life in Chinatown, luxury stores such as Prada and Gucci fill the shopping streets. It gleams with abundant material goods and high per capita income. With that, it is not a surprise to know that thousands of curious foreigners flock annually to visit and explore what Singapore has to offer.

The secret behind the success of the city-state can be summed up in one word: discipline. Various rules and regulations govern the daily life of the people in Singapore. With their strict implementation and citizen obedience, the city remains clean and well-ordered.

1. On taking pictures inside the train
While other countries allow the liberty of taking pictures of any kind inside a train, Singapore prohibits taking snapshots when riding the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train. If you’ve visited other countries and became accustomed to taking group photos while on the train, you better minimize your camera habits for the mean time.

2. On flushing the toilet
You might land yourself a good scolding – at most – for not flushing the toilet in other countries, but did you know it is considered as a crime in Singapore? The city-state values cleanliness and courtesy for the next user of public toilets. If you happen to violate this regulation, you will likely be made to pay a fine of $150. Yikes!

3. On littering
As the famous saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness, and Singapore is a city-state which takes that one to the heart. Leaving behind your trash or dropping them on the street is a big no-no! If you are caught littering in Singapore, you are required to pay an instant fine of $2,000 for the first offense. Third offense of littering means you will be tasked to clean the streets with a sign that proclaims “I am a litterer”.

4. On selling gum
Sad news for chewing gum fanatics: selling gum in Singapore is strictly prohibited. There has been an increasing number on littering cases with dirty chewed-up gum placed on trains and walls, prompting the government to implement a regulation to fix the matter. You will not find any even in convenience stores and market stalls.

5. On walking around naked in your own flat
Walking around with no clothes on in public view is not tolerated in Singapore, even when you are in your own flat. Violating this would mean breaking the law and you can be penalized up to 2,000 SGD. Not only that, chances are you’d be serving three months time in jail too.