Seah Kian Huat, 64-years-old, and his son Roger Seah Hong Chiat, 40-years-old, were each fined $3,000 for using vulgarities on safe distancing officers carrying out enforcement duties.
The duo pleaded guilty on 22 November to one count each under the Protection From Harassment Act – another related offence was considered during their sentencing.
What happened?
The older Seah was the owner of a stall at Yuhua Village Market and Food Centre, while his son Roger helped out at his stall at the time of the offence.
A 51-year-old NEA enforcement officer was carrying out his safe-distancing duties and performing checks with his partner that the hawker centre on 21 August.
They noticed Seah sitting in front of his stall with a cup of coffee on the table, with another man.
They were not drinking from the cup but had their face masks pulled down.
The officers then approached the two men and asked them to wear their face masks properly, as well as asking Seah not to sit on the seat that was marked.
Unhappy about it
The two men complied but Seah was not happy about it and shouted that he was waiting for his food to come and that he was planning to drink from the cup before using Hokkien vulgarities on the officers.
Seah’s son Roger overheard the commotion and came out from the stall to find out what was happening.
The officers then explained the situation to him, to which Roger started arguing with the officers, telling them to f— off after being reminded of the safe distancing measures.
Roger threatened to “make them (the officers) suffer” – the two officers then called the police.
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