Are Singapoeran laws as strict as they say?

[Donald_Morgan]

I’ve heard a lot of stories about Singapore’s famously strict laws. Public shaming for littering, widespread use of the death penalty, things like that. Is that true or has it been inflated by Western visitors?

[Nicholas_Koh1]

Customs come down HARD on drug and drug related offences. Laws are strict but it's not like you see uniformed and undercover cops around every street corner. Littering is generally frowned upon everywhere you go, and it's not like you'll be chucking trash willy-nilly are you?

Are you?

As with visiting every country, a good dose of common sense goes a long way. FWIW, laws are strict, but cops are not out to get you at every turn.

[Daniel_R_Rikardo]

Most definitely and in almost every aspect thinkable... We have strict laws ranging from drug abuse, smoking to free speech and even from chewing gum. Alcohol sale is also strictly controlled as well. Arguably, we are one of few first world countries that continues to use flogging as a form of punishment which we inherited from our colonial era.

[Fiyah_Faith]

Hi Donald!

Some may view our laws as strict but it is mostly just to mantain order. Public shaming for littering? That's not true! You'll just be fined for the offence. Probably when you litter you'll get dirty looks from some passive agressive residents but that's cause you're dirtying our shared common place. (Maybe that's the unofficial public shaming?) The death sentence isn't widespread. It's mostly for those cases such as intentional homicide or having drugs over a certain amount. I think these are laws that other countries would implement death penalty too.

Hope that helps!

[kwloo]

These statutes/laws are there mostly as a deterrent. They aren't as strict or archaic as many make out to be. Many visitors and foreigners visit and live here with no issues.

For instance, there are laws to prevent littering and it used to be that if you were caught littering, you could be forced to do community work by the Courts known as Corrective Work Orders (CWOs); requiring offenders to clean public areas for up to 12 hours. In reality, if you do not litter (and there are rubbish bins everywhere), you'll be fine and you can enjoy a clean environment to live in.

Death penalty or Mandatory Death Penalty (MDP) isn't "widespread". It isn't similar to some countries in the Middle East. It's only used in 2 occasions and the courts have discretion on whether to impose it - on drug offenses and murder cases. If the accused is purely a drug courier and is able to assist with investigations substantially, he/she may not face the MDP.

In short, if you live your life as you would anywhere else and do not dabble with drugs (alcohol is ok!), you'll be perfectly fine.

[Aaqib_Khalid_Alvi]

You have heard em all right.

http://www.goabroad.com/articles/study-abroad/singapore-laws-to-know-before-you-go

[Nicola_Paolo_Savoia]

Hi Donald. I've been living here for 6 years. I would say laws are not necessarily too strict, but simply consistently applied. Yes you get fined for littering, and yes there is death penalty for serious crimes (like in USA). I think the overall idea is that they lay down "the rules of engagement" quite clearly and explicitly, so Singapore welcome everyone that is willing to respect them.
On a different note however, please also consider that there is no need to litter, because you'll find a rubbish bin every block. Also jay-walking is "finable" but again, with loads of one way roads where cars go at 60-70 Km/hr, I think is very advisable not to "jay-walk". If you are well-mannered, and you appreciate you are a "guest" in a country that is "hosting" you, I think you'll have no problems at all, living or visiting (and that's true about every country).

[Darius_Baker]

Singapore has eased up on using the death penalty since 2000, except for drug-related offenses.

Capital punishment in Singapore

If by public shaming you mean being made to spend the weekend sweeping the streets, you are right. This is known as "corrective work order" and is only handed out to repeat and defiant offenders. Most public offenses, like consuming liquids on the train/tube and littering, result in a fine of a few hundred dollars.

Admittedly, we're strict, but it's the same reason why we have a (rather) clean and safe environment.

[Pascal1]

Yes. The laws are strict, and news are true but inflated as well.

[Jeannie_Milne]

The laws are strict & clear, but fairly applied. When I first got here I wondered why everyone was so well behaved without a constant physical police prescence...there are cameras EVERYWHERE. Drugs are a complete no-no, alcohol is available everyday of the year but is very expensive. I've never seen a bar fight in 3 years of being out most weekends.
Other laws like 'no peeing in an elevator' or 'no littering' are kind of common sense...created to build a standard for citizens. Homosexuality is illegal but is not enforced, and as a foreigner you're not allowed to join any marches/protests for reform.

[Jonathan_Yap]

New law comes in recently that banned consumption of alcohol in public after 10.30pm and purchases in stores. You can still get them at bars and clubs but must be consumed within the confines of the compound.

Bar fights and disorder do happen but police shows up immediately if any do break out. I once witness a fight between a drunk and a taxi driver on a Saturday night. It took 2 minutes for 6 uniformed officers to show up, talk about efficiency!