Man fined $4,500 for leaving bag attached with toy grenade near Hong Lim Park to alarm protesters
SINGAPORE — A 59-year-old man who placed a bag with a toy grenade attached to it at an exit of Clarke Quay MRT station because he was unhappy with a protest at Hong Lim Park nearby was fined $4,500 on Tuesday (1 October).
Ho Hee Hew, a driver, had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge of using threatening behaviour likely to cause alarm under the Protection from Harassment Act, which carries a maximum punishment of $5,000.
He had initially faced a more serious charge under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations, which carried a fine of up to $500,00 and/or up to 10 years’ jail, but later had his charge amended.
On 16 September 2017, at about 4.25pm, Ho was cycling in the area of Clarke Quay MRT station.
He stopped at the steps outside the MRT station and began to go through a brown bag which he had earlier found elsewhere. A toy grenade was attached to the bag, which contained a plastic box of old toys.
At the time, there was a protest against the reserved presidency going on at Hong Lim Park, with an estimated 800 people present.
Unhappy with the protest, Ho decided to alarm them into leaving the venue.
He removed some items from the bag, looked around to see whether anyone was looking, and then threw the bag near the wheelchair ramp leading to Exit A of the station, which was the closest exit to Hong Lim Park. His actions were caught on CCTV.
The station master of Clarke Quay MRT station later requested for police assistance regarding the unattended bag.
Exit A was closed for about 15 minutes while policemen ascertained that the bag was not a threat to public safety.
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