Teens who caused hour-long HDB block blackout given probation
SINGAPORE — When a group of four teenagers noticed that the lock to a HDB block's switch room was flimsy, they broke in and pulled the switch to the power supply.
As a result, the entire block in Woodlands Avenue 6 was plunged into darkness at around 11.45pm.
Two of the boys, Megat Muhammad Harith Hairolnizan and Randy Cheang Jia Le, were given 12 months and 15 months' probation respectively on Wednesday (24 July) along with other conditions, including community service and a curfew. Each pleaded guilty to one count of mischief.
The cases of their two accomplices Cheok Kai Jie and Brian Ong Wee Leong are still pending before the courts. The four boys are all aged 17-years-old.
On 28 February, at about 10pm, the group had supper at a coffee shop at Block 780 Woodlands Crescent.
At about 11.44pm, the group walked towards the one of their houses when they passed the switch room of Block 759 Woodlands Avenue 6.
Randy noticed that the lock on the switch room’s door was flimsy. He walked over and pulled it off. He then entered the switch room with Megat while Kai Jie and Brian remained outside to act as look-outs.
In the room, Randy noticed a large black switch which he suggested that Megat pull. Megat pulled the switch down partially while Randy pulled it down the rest of the way.
The power supply for Block 759 Woodlands Avenue 6 was cut off, switching off all the lights in 114 units. The group then ran off. Electricity was restored after 61 minutes.
Brian recorded the incident on video.
A Senior Property Officer at Sembawang Town Council made a police report about the incident.
For mischief, each of the boys could have been jailed up to one year, or fined, or both.
Other Singapore stories
Cleaner fined $4,500 for positioning toy grenade at Istana Park, triggering police operation
LTA considering bringing forward deadline for PMDs to meet safety standards: Report
