Singapore Law & Crime Prevention Advisory
Essential information for Student’s Pass Holders in Singapore
STAY CRIME-FREE: PROTECT YOUR FUTURE
Shop Theft
Shop theft is a serious offence.
- Always pay for your items before leaving the store.
- Encouraging or challenging others to steal is also an offence (abetment).
- Most retail shops and supermarkets have CCTV cameras.
Unlicensed Moneylending (UML)
- Do not borrow money from unlicensed moneylenders.
- Don’t engage in unlicensed moneylending activities.
Unlicensed moneylenders may recruit through social media to harass borrowers:
- Ceding control of bank accounts/SIM cards
- Damaging and defacing properties
- Making monetary transactions
- Locking up residences with chains/locks
For more information: https://go.gov.sg/spf-umi
Molestation (Outrage of Modesty)
Molestation is a serious offence.
- Respect others’ personal spaces and boundaries.
- Touching someone inappropriately without consent is traumatizing for victims.
Forgery
Forgery is a serious offence.
- Never alter or create fake documents (IDs, passes, certificates).
- With advanced verification technologies, you will be detected.
Remember: Crime does not pay. You will face the full brunt of the law if you commit crime.
BEWARE OF SCAMS TARGETING STUDENTS
Government officials will NEVER do these over a phone call:
- Ask you to transfer money
- Transfer your call to the Police
- Ask you to disclose bank log-in details
- Ask you to install mobile apps from unofficial app stores
If you receive an SMS from the government, make sure it is sent from the gov.sg SMS sender ID.
Do Not Be A Money Mule!
A money mule is someone who allows criminals to:
- Control their banks or other payment accounts
- Allows accounts to receive or transfer monies under criminal’s instructions
Our payment accounts are for our own use only:
- Do not disclose your payment accounts/credentials to anyone else.
- Do not let anyone else access, operate or control your payment accounts.
- Do not receive or transfer money for anyone else using your payment accounts.
Don’t be a SIM Card Criminal!
A SIM card criminal is someone who misuses their eSIM/SIM Card by:
- Selling SIM cards
- Allowing others to use their SIM cards
- Helping others register SIM cards
- Holding onto multiple SIM cards
Your SIM card is for your own use only.
Learn more: www.go.gov.sg/misuse-of-sim-cards
If you are unsure if something is a scam
Call and check with the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799.
Remember, do not transfer any money, and stop the call immediately to verify directly with the government agency.
PROTECT YOURSELF
You do not need to be a victim of crime
Remember: Your safety is in your hands. Stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your community.
Safe Guard Your Belongings
- Never leave items unattended, even briefly.
- Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
Report Sexual Crimes
- If you or someone you know is a victim, act immediately.
- Tell a trusted adult and report to the police without delay.
Stay Alert
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- If you spot any suspicious persons or situations, report to the Police immediately.
Be Scam-Smart
- Never disclose your personal and banking information, including OTPs to anyone.
- Always check directly with the government agency or company to verify requests.
Singapore Laws Overview
Smoking Regulations
Smoking is prohibited in many public places, especially near educational institutions.
Littering Laws
Singapore has strict laws against littering in public places.
Work Regulations
Student’s Pass holders have restrictions on working in Singapore.
HDB Rental Rules
Strict occupancy caps apply to HDB flat rentals.
Tobacco Laws
Strict regulations on tobacco and e-vaporisers.
Smoking Regulations
Prohibition in Educational Institutions
Under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act, smoking is prohibited in:
- Autonomous Universities’ compounds
- Private Education Institutions (PEIs)
- Within five metres of educational institutions including:
- Kindergartens and child care centres
- Primary and secondary schools
- Junior colleges and polytechnics
- ITE campuses and madrasahs
Composition of Offences
The Director-General may compound offences by collecting from the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence a sum not exceeding $500.
Littering Laws
Prohibition Against Littering
No person shall:
- Deposit, drop, or throw any refuse in any public place
- Keep or leave any article where particles may pass into public places
- Dry any article of food in any public place
- Place any offensive or filthy matter that may run into public places
- Beat, clean or agitate any substance that may be carried by wind to public places
- Throw or leave behind any bottle, can, food container or wrapper
- Spit any substance or expel mucus onto any street or public place
- Discard or abandon any motor vehicle, furniture or bulky article in public places
Working in Singapore
Restrictions for Student’s Pass Holders
According to ICA and MOM regulations, Student’s Pass holders are:
- Not to engage in any form of paid employment in Singapore during the validity of your Student’s Pass
- Not allowed to engage in any business, profession or occupation without a valid work pass
Important: Beacon International College is not on MOM’s list of approved institutions for work pass exemption.
For more information, refer to:
- Student’s Pass Terms & Conditions
- Work Pass Exemption for Foreign Students
HDB Rental Occupancy Cap
Occupancy Regulations
From 1 May 2018, the occupancy cap for HDB flats:
- 4-room and larger flats: Maximum of 6 persons (reduced from 9)
- 3-room and smaller flats: Maximum of 6 persons for 3-room, 4 persons for smaller flats
Important: All flat owners must obtain HDB’s prior approval before renting out their flats or bedrooms.
These changes aim to minimize disamenities caused by overcrowding and maintain a conducive living environment.
For more information, refer to: HDB Revision of Rental Occupancy Cap
Tobacco and E-vaporiser Regulations
Prohibited Tobacco Products
From 1 February 2018, the following are prohibited:
- Purchase, possession and use of emerging and imitation tobacco products
- This includes e-vaporisers
- Earlier prohibitions on importation, sale and distribution remain in effect
Penalties for sale, importation or distribution:
- First offence: Fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months or both
- Second or subsequent offence: Fine up to $20,000 or imprisonment up to 12 months or both
Penalties for possession, use and purchase:
- Fine up to $2,000
Emergency Contacts
Dial ‘999’ only for emergencies requiring immediate Police response.
Other Police Contacts
Non-emergency Police hotline: 1800 255 0000
Submit information online: www.police.gov.sg/iwitness
Scam Reporting
ScamShield Helpline: 1799 (24/7)
If you’ve been scammed, report it immediately to your bank and the Police.
Useful Resources
- Singapore Police Force: www.police.gov.sg
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority: www.ica.gov.sg
- Ministry of Manpower: www.mom.gov.sg
- National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org.sg
