In recent weeks, two Singaporean men have been brought to justice for acts that insulted the modesty of women, highlighting issues of safety and respect in public spaces.
Charles Teng’s Disturbing Behaviour
Charles Teng Wei Yian, a 44-year-old patient receiving treatment for liver inflammation, was sentenced to five weeks in prison for a disturbing incident involving a nurse. During his hospital stay from 10 to 23 September 2024, Teng summoned a nurse to assist him when he insisted on showering.
Despite the nurse’s attempts to call for a male colleague, Teng insisted on her presence, asserting he needed her help with “personal needs”. In a shocking turn of events, he stripped naked and exposed himself, asking her to scrub his back, which left the nurse feeling alarmed and violated.
His actions were condemned by the judiciary, with the District Judge Nicholas Lai emphasising the need to protect nurses who work in vulnerable roles. He observed that Teng’s conduct was premeditated and beyond the bounds of acceptable behaviour.
Tan Tee Yong’s Offensive Display
In a separate incident, 26-year-old Tan Tee Yong was sentenced to 12 days’ jail after he flashed a lewd note on his phone to a 16-year-old girl on an MRT train. The note, containing suggestive phrases, frightened the teenager, who swiftly reported the incident after Tan disembarked.
The court noted that this act, which occurred on 30 April 2024, was particularly offensive given the victim’s age and the public setting in which it occurred. Tan’s behaviour was deemed unacceptable, illustrating the ongoing need for public awareness regarding personal boundaries.
Legal Context
- Both men faced charges for insulting modesty, a serious offense in Singapore.
- Under Singaporean law, the punishment can reach up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
- The authorities are emphasising the protection of individuals in vulnerable situations, be it in hospitals or public transport.
These cases serve as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and the legal consequences of disrespectful actions in Singapore.