A 20-year-old Indonesian man is set to be charged in Singapore after allegedly molesting a female passenger during a flight bound for Singapore Changi Airport.
According to the police, the incident reportedly took place on Apr. 15 at around 1:30pm while the aircraft was en route to Singapore. Authorities said the man allegedly touched a woman seated beside him in an inappropriate manner during the flight.
The female passenger later moved away from her seat and alerted members of the cabin crew about the alleged incident. The crew subsequently escalated the matter to the pilot before the aircraft landed.
Once the plane arrived at Changi Airport, officers from the Airport Police Division boarded the aircraft and arrested the suspect following preliminary investigations.
Suspect To Face Outrage Of Modesty Charge
The Indonesian national will reportedly be charged in court on Apr. 30 for using criminal force with intent to outrage modesty under Section 354(1) of Singapore’s Penal Code, read together with Section 3 of the Tokyo Convention Act.
Under Singapore law, offenders convicted of outrage of modesty can face a jail term of up to three years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these penalties.
The Tokyo Convention Act allows Singapore authorities to exercise jurisdiction over certain offences committed onboard aircraft arriving in the country, including cases involving passenger misconduct and alleged sexual offences.
Cases involving molestation on public transport and commercial flights continue to be treated seriously in Singapore, especially when they involve victims placed in confined environments with limited ability to escape the situation.
Singapore Police Warn Against Sexual Misconduct On Aircraft
In a statement, the police reiterated that they maintain a firm stance against sexual offenders and individuals who commit indecent acts that cause distress, harassment, or alarm to others.
Authorities also stressed that offenders will be dealt with sternly, regardless of whether the alleged offence occurs in public spaces or onboard an aircraft.
Singapore has consistently enforced strict laws against molestation and other sexual offences, with airport security and airline crews trained to respond quickly when passengers report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour during flights.
The case also highlights the importance of cabin crew intervention during in-flight incidents, particularly when passengers feel unsafe or threatened while travelling.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.