A 51-year-old Singaporean man, Abdus Sattar, has been charged with multiple offences related to a religious assembly that allegedly involved a preacher with extremist links. The incident occurred at Lantana Lodge, a dormitory for migrant workers near Tuas South Avenue 4, on 9 August 2024.
Details of the Charges
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Sattar invited two Bangladeshi nationals—Amir Hamza and Ullah Mohammed Neamat—to the gathering without the necessary permits. Hamza is known for his extremist views and connections to organisations considered dangerous by the Singaporean authorities.
During the assembly, Hamza allegedly preached to the workers, while Neamat performed songs for the crowd. Both actions were conducted without the required permits, leading to Sattar being charged under the Public Order Act 2009 (POA) and the Public Entertainments Act 1958 (PEA).
Punishments and Penalties
- For organising a public assembly without a permit, Sattar faces a fine of up to S$5,000.
- Providing public entertainment without a licence could result in a fine of up to S$20,000.
- Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA), he risks a fine of up to S$20,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
Furthermore, the dormitory operator, SBM Electrical & Automation, has also been charged due to failure to maintain accurate records of non-residents entering the premises. They face similar penalties under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act 2015 (FEDA).
Background on Amir Hamza
Amir Hamza’s previous activities have raised alarms among Singaporean authorities—he had been arrested in Bangladesh for his alleged terrorism-related activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported that his teachings are considered detrimental to Singapore’s communal harmony.
In a surprising turn of events, Hamza successfully entered Singapore using a passport registered under a different name. He left the country the day after the event, prompting further scrutiny of the processes around foreign nationals entering Singapore.
Next Steps
The court will reconvene to address Sattar’s case on 24 April 2024. As investigations continue into the assembly and its implications, authorities remain vigilant to ensure that such breaches do not threaten Singapore’s security and social cohesion.