A Chinese man is under scrutiny after allegedly filming and uploading a video of himself inside a restricted area at a Singapore border checkpoint, an act that may constitute an offence under local security laws.
The video, which was uploaded to the Chinese social media platform Douyin on January 18 before being taken down, reportedly showed the man seated inside a secured holding area at a land checkpoint. In the clip, he claimed that he had been “detained by customs” upon arriving in Singapore.
Footage circulating online showed an enclosed room fitted with multiple chairs and clear signage warning that photography and videography were strictly prohibited. Several other individuals could be seen in the same room, suggesting it was a holding or secondary inspection area commonly used at border checkpoints.
The man was heard speaking in Mandarin, repeatedly describing the room as a “small dark room” while laughing, seemingly making light of the situation. He did not provide details on why he was being held, nor did he explain why he decided to record and share the footage despite visible warning signs.
Restricted areas at Singapore checkpoints are tightly controlled
Singapore’s border checkpoints, including land crossings, airports and seaports, are designated as protected areas under the Infrastructure Protection Act. This legislation is designed to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure national security by restricting unauthorised activities such as photography, filming or recording within sensitive zones.
Prominent signs are typically displayed at checkpoints to remind travellers that taking photos or videos is not allowed in restricted areas. These measures apply to all individuals, regardless of nationality, and ignorance of the rules is not considered a valid defence under Singapore law.
The act of filming within such areas is treated seriously, as it may compromise security protocols or reveal operational details. Even seemingly harmless content posted on social media can pose risks when it involves protected locations, especially in an era where online platforms enable rapid and widespread sharing.
Penalties under Singapore law can be severe
Under the Infrastructure Protection Act, individuals found guilty of taking photos or videos in protected areas without authorisation may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Enforcement applies equally to locals and foreigners entering the country.
Singapore has long maintained a strict stance on border security and public order, and violations at checkpoints are often investigated thoroughly. In previous cases, travellers have been warned, fined or prosecuted for breaching regulations even when no malicious intent was proven.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has been approached for further clarification on the incident. At the time of writing, no official statement has been released regarding whether investigations are ongoing or whether enforcement action will be taken against the man involved.
Social media behaviour under increasing scrutiny
The case has sparked online discussion about the risks of filming sensitive locations for social media content. With platforms like Douyin, TikTok and Instagram encouraging real-time sharing, authorities worldwide are facing challenges in managing inappropriate or illegal recordings in secure environments.
In Singapore, travellers are routinely reminded to comply with local laws and regulations upon entry. Beyond border checkpoints, photography restrictions also apply to military installations, police facilities and certain infrastructure sites.
While the video has since been removed, its brief circulation serves as a reminder that content shared online can have legal consequences offline. As international travel continues to recover, authorities are likely to remain vigilant in enforcing checkpoint rules to ensure safety and security for all who pass through Singapore’s borders.