Gurmit Singh, the local celebrity best known for his role in sitcom Phua Chu Kang and the man who’s been urging you to take the COVID-19 vaccine, has apologised publicly for a case of reckless driving that occurred in April this year.
The 56-year-old comedian uploaded an apology video on Instagram on the same day, in which he said, “Hi everyone, you may or may not have heard about the news but I just want to say I’m sorry, and I hope to do better. Take care.”
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The video was accompanied with the following caption: I will do better to be a better driver/ rider. Take care.
Netizens flooded the comments section with words of encouragement and support, with many urging him to stay strong and reassuring him that everyone makes mistakes.
What Happened
Singh had been speeding on 12 April 2021. He was driving 131km/h along Woodlands Avenue 12, above the speed limit of 70km/h for that particular stretch of road.
He had just picked his son up from his workplace.
According to Singh, while driving to his son’s workplace, he heard a “flapping sound”.
After he had fetched his son, he wanted him to hear the same sound, which he realised was produced when the vehicle was at a speed of 100km/h.
Singh told the court that he was not typically “a reckless driver who does this daily”. He said that this was merely a “one-off” incident.
In response to this, District Judge Salina Ishak said that he could possibly have endangered his son’s life, along with his own.
Singh expressed regret for his actions at this.
He was fined $800 and given a three-month driving ban for his offence yesterday (8 June).
A first-time offender for speeding could face imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
For repeat offenders, this is doubled. In addition, drivers who are convicted of speeding can be banned from driving, with the length of the ban according to the discretion of the court.
Stricter Penalties for Traffic Offences at Silver & School Zones from 1 July
From next month (1 July) onwards, you could face increased fines and demerit points for violations of traffic regulations at Silver Zones and School Zones.
The purpose of these stricter penalties is to enhance the safety of roads for seniors and students typically found at these zones.
Two more demerit points will be issued to motorists who violate traffic rules at pedestrian crossings, as well as to people who endanger pedestrians in Silver Zones and School Zones.
Additionally, the fines for such offences will be increased by $100, with the exception of heavy vehicle operators who beat the red light.
You can read more about it here .
Featured Image: Instagram (@gurmit.65)
