Shortly after circuit breaker measures were announced in Singapore a taxi driver posted messages on Facebook group claiming that he has some “insider information” that there will be some ridiculous measures that will take place during circuit breaker.
The Facebook message was posted on the 16 of April 2020, Lai Yong Hui a 40-year-old behind the false messages posted the post, Comments started flooding in and told Lai not to lie to other people with false information.
After receiving backlash from the netizens the post was deleted 15 minutes later
He pleaded guilty earlier today and was sentenced to 4 months jail.
For a person that is found guilty under Public Order and Nuisance Act might face a maximum sentence of 3 years and/or fined of up to $10,000
“Uncle Auntie” Whatsapp Group
On the 15 April, the defendant saw a message in a Whatsapp group claiming that:
“disposable food container can transmit the virus” and “hawker centre and coffeeshop will be closed”.
Without verifying the information he posted it in Facebook group known as Taxiuncle.
“Food courts coffee shop all to close. Supermarkets will only open two days a week. Better go stock up your stuff for the next month or so. Govt officials in meeting yesterday and will finalize measures tomorrow,”
“Thanks” to messages like this, waves of people crowded supermarkets and started gathering goods. People wiped out essential goods and leave many with nothing to buy.