u Importance of discipline
Singaporeans place a lot of importance on discipline and corporal punishment is widely accepted. Caning is not only used to punish criminals but also as a disciplinary measure in schools, the military, and in the domestic scene.
u Chewing gum
Chewing gum is banned in Singapore so leave it at home when packing your bags. Improper disposal of gum and carrying large quantities of the banned product will cost a hefty fine of up to $1000 for first time offenders.
u Littering
Singapore is bent on maintaining its reputation of being impeccably clean, with an active campaign against littering and stringent enforcement in place. First time offenders who throw small items like cigarette butts or candy wrappers are fined $300. Those who throw out bigger items like drink cans or bottles are considered defiant and are required to appear before the court.
u Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in certain areas in Singapore. The smoking prohibition covers all indoor places where the public congregates. The ban was revised in 2009 to include indoor public places not air-conditioned such as shopping centres, offices, and shops. Outdoor public facilities like fitness areas, sports courts, and playgrounds were also included in the extension. In 2013, the ban extended even further to include multi-purpose halls, pedestrian overhead bridges, covered walkways and linkways, hospital outdoor compounds, and a five-metre perimeter around bus shelters.
u Homosexual relations
The legislation on “Outrages on Decency” criminalises same sex relations. This law used to be under the umbrella of “unnatural sex” or sex “against the order of nature”. Violators of this law can cost the offender up to two years in prison.
u Jaywalking
In Singapore, jaywalking mainly refers to crossing the street in non-designated areas. Make sure you look for marked pedestrian lanes before crossing the street.
u Urinating in elevators and not flushing the toilet
Not flushing the toilet is more than just a breach of propriety in Singapore, you will be breaking the law if you do so. Expect to pay a fine if you get caught. Don’t even think of urinating in elevators, as they are equipped with urine detection devices (UDD). These devices detect the scent of urine, setting off an alarm and closing the doors until the police arrive to arrest the offender.
u Vandalism
Vandalism is a serious offence in Singapore, with penalties that include not only fines but also jail, and three to eight strokes of caning. The act constitutes damages done to both public and private properties. Damaging, destroying and stealing public property, as well as drawing, painting, writing, inscribing, and marking any private property without the owner’s consent are considered illegal.
u Drugs
It is important to note Singaporean authorities do not distinguish between drugs taken back home before you entered the country, and those taken within their borders. Singapore police are authorised to run a random drug test on both locals and visiting foreigners.