A 51-year-old taxi driver has been fined S$2,500 for dangerously pointing a laser at a shuttle bus near Changi Airport, an action that briefly impaired the bus driver’s vision and risked the safety of nearly 30 passengers.
The incident occurred on the night of 28 August 2024, along Airport Boulevard, as the shuttle bus was making its way towards Terminal 4. According to court proceedings, the bus had signalled before merging into the far-left lane. Not far behind was the cabby, Huzairi Hamzah, who was apparently unhappy with the manoeuvre.
Laser Shone from Taxi Caught on CCTV
After the bus moved into his lane, Huzairi drove up behind it and aimed a laser pointer at the vehicle for two to three seconds. This reckless act was captured by the bus’s onboard CCTV camera, and the footage was later used as court evidence.
The laser beam reflected off the bus’s side mirror and into the eyes of its 32-year-old driver, temporarily blurring his vision. Despite this, the driver continued his journey without incident, safely ferrying the passengers to their destination. He later reported the incident to his supervisors and filed a police report as advised.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though authorities noted that the situation could have turned into a serious traffic accident.
Reckless Conduct in a High-Security Zone
In court, Huzairi faced one charge of a rash act that endangered the personal safety of others. Under Singapore law, this offence carries a possible fine of up to S$2,500 or imprisonment of up to six months.
The prosecution argued that Huzairi had knowingly used the laser pointer in a manner that could have distracted the bus driver and posed a danger to public safety, especially within a sensitive high-security zone like Changi Airport.
While his defence maintained that Huzairi had not intended to harm or distract the driver, he eventually pleaded guilty and accepted the maximum fine of S$2,500.
Laser Pointer Misuse Continues to Be a Concern
This case underscores the dangers of laser pointer misuse on Singapore’s roads. The seemingly minor action of shining a laser at another vehicle can have major consequences, particularly when it affects professional drivers responsible for numerous lives.
In a similar incident previously, a driver was sentenced to two weeks’ jail for aiming a laser pointer at another motorist on the KPE, showing that Singapore’s courts take such actions seriously.
The Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police continue to stress the importance of safe and respectful driving behaviour, especially in areas like Changi Airport where road traffic, security, and public safety intersect.
Laser pointers, commonly sold as presentation tools or toys, can easily become dangerous weapons when misused—especially when aimed at drivers, aircraft, or other vehicles. Members of the public are reminded that such acts are not only irresponsible but can result in criminal charges, hefty fines, or imprisonment.
As Singapore remains vigilant on road safety and public conduct, this incident serves as a stern warning against impulsive behaviour that endangers others.