Man Jailed 10 Days for Offering $7 Bribe After Being Caught Urinating Into Drain
In a case that underscores Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, a 54-year-old Thai national has been sentenced to 10 days in jail after attempting to bribe environmental enforcement officers with a mere S$7. The incident, which took place in December 2024, highlights how even seemingly minor acts of corruption can carry serious legal consequences.
Caught in the Act
According to CNA, Nanjaijumpa Kham-Ai, a farm worker living in Singapore since 2017, had just visited a mobile phone repair shop near Sungei Tengah Lodge to fix his malfunctioning device. Short of cash, he paid part of the fee and rushed back to retrieve more money. On his way, he stopped to urinate into a roadside drain near his bicycle—a decision that would soon land him in legal trouble.
A Desperate Attempt
While relieving himself, Nanjaijumpa was spotted by two Certis Cisco auxiliary police officers—Ong Seng Hock and Prabakar Hisparan—who were on environmental enforcement duties for the National Environment Agency (NEA). The officers approached him, identified themselves, and began taking down his details to issue a fine.
Panicking and eager to return to the shop before closing time, Nanjaijumpa pleaded with the officers to let him off. He initially offered Mr Ong S$7, insisting it was a common practice to urinate in that drain. When Mr Ong refused, he made the same offer to Mr Prabakar, who also rejected it.
What followed escalated the situation: Nanjaijumpa slipped the money into Mr Prabakar’s sling bag despite their rejections. Mr Ong immediately ordered him to take the money back and warned that public servants could not accept bribes. The police were called, and Nanjaijumpa was arrested on the spot.
Court’s Verdict: Integrity Above All
In court, Deputy Public Prosecutor Tung Shou Pin emphasized the gravity of Nanjaijumpa’s actions, noting the persistence of his bribe attempt despite clear rejections. Though the entire episode lasted under 30 seconds, the prosecutor argued that accepting such bribes could severely undermine Singapore’s global reputation for clean governance and integrity in public service.
The accused, who was unrepresented, expressed remorse through a Thai interpreter and promised not to repeat his actions.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Nanjaijumpa to 10 days in jail. He was convicted under Singapore’s Prevention of Corruption Act, which allows for up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of S$100,000, or both for such offences.
Why This Matters
Singapore maintains one of the world’s lowest corruption rates due to its strict enforcement and uncompromising legal framework. This case serves as a reminder that even small bribes are treated seriously, regardless of the amount or intent.
For digital marketers and legal professionals, this highlights Singapore’s robust anti-bribery laws, which continue to uphold investor confidence and the nation’s standing as a global financial and governance hub.