Woman seen in video not wearing mask at MBS has pending charge over similar offence
Posted on 20 May 2021 | 22,080 views | 49 comments
Shaffiq Alkhatib
The Straits Times
May 19, 2021 The woman seen in a viral clip refusing to don a mask while at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) last Saturday (May 15) is already facing a criminal charge over a similar offence allegedly committed in the same month last year. According to court documents The Straits Times obtained on Wednesday, Phoon Chiu Yoke had allegedly failed to wear a mask over her nose and mouth "at all times" at Newton Hawker Centre between 7.20pm and 8pm on May 8, 2020. The 53-year-old was charged with an offence under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act.
She is accused of committing the offence during the circuit breaker period, which was imposed between April 7 and June 1 last year to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Phoon is contesting the charge, and the trial will take place next Monday.
She made the headlines earlier this month after a video showed her arguing with a safe distancing ambassador (SDA) at MBS.
In the clip, an SDA can be seen trying to convince Phoon to put on a mask.
Phoon questions the SDA on whether she has a "badge".
She is heard saying: "If you have no badge, why are you asking me to do something? Who are you representing?"
When the SDA replies that she represents MBS, Phoon says: "That's what you say, I can say that I'm a police (officer)."
At the end of the clip, Phoon can be seen clutching a mask which she slides into her pocket.
In an earlier statement, police said that they received a call about the incident at around 5.15pm on May 15.
One of the videos was supposedly taken at VivoCity in February this year, while the other was at Clarke Quay Central in December last year.
First-time offenders who breach laws under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.
Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000.
The Straits Times
May 19, 2021 The woman seen in a viral clip refusing to don a mask while at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) last Saturday (May 15) is already facing a criminal charge over a similar offence allegedly committed in the same month last year. According to court documents The Straits Times obtained on Wednesday, Phoon Chiu Yoke had allegedly failed to wear a mask over her nose and mouth "at all times" at Newton Hawker Centre between 7.20pm and 8pm on May 8, 2020.
There are at least two other videos circulating, showing the woman in public places without a mask on. One of the videos was supposedly taken at VivoCity (left), while the other was at Clarke Quay Central. PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM FACEBOOK