Women go fruit-picking by the roadside in Geylang

A group of women were caught on camera helping themselves to fruits from some trees along Geylang East Central.

Stomper Lau Lup sent two videos of the incident that he witnessed opposite Geylang Polyclinic on Wednesday (Aug 31).

In the videos, three women can be seen plucking fruits from trees along a pedestrian walkway.

Lau Lup said: "They were keeping the fruits in plastic bags. I wonder if the fruits are edible or even clean enough to consume since they were grown along the road."

So are you allowed to pluck fruits from trees by the roadside? The short answer is no.

Under the Parks and Trees Act, damaging/removing plants or parts of plants from parks and gardens is not permitted. Offenders who cut, collect or displace any plant in these areas can be fined up to $5,000.

Most roadside trees, which are typically in areas managed by the National Parks Board (NParks), also fall under the Act.

According to The Straits Times, the severity of the punishments may vary, depending on where the offence was committed and other mitigating circumstances.

Can you collect or keep fruits that have fallen naturally to the ground then? No, that is prohibited as well.

Individuals and groups who wish to collect seeds, cuttings or fruits for research, education, propagation, charity or other purposes must approach the relevant authorities for permission.