Previously, Singapore issued an order that all those who have travelled to an Asean country from 16 March onwards would have to serve a Stay-Home Notice. This was later revised to include those who have travelled to anywhere in the world from 11.59pm, 20 March, onwards.
There will not be any exceptions allowed, not even if you are the local producer for the 2018 hit film, Crazy Rich Asians.
But I guess not everyone was clear on that message.
S’pore PR & Local Producer for Crazy Rich Asians Reportedly Did Not Declare Full Travel History After Landing in S’pore
Mike Wiluan is the CEO of Infinite Studios and is a film producer. He is most known for being the local co-producer for Crazy Rich Asians and his 2018 film Buffalo Boys which was picked as Singapore’s submission to the Academy Awards in the Foreign Language Film category.
So why are we talking about him now?
Well, it’s because the 43-year-old Singaporean permanent resident was found to not have declared his travel history in full.
What do I mean?
Mr Wiluan arrived in Singapore on 20 March from the United States, but did not declare that he had previously travelled to Indonesia.
Why is that such a big deal?
The fact that he travelled to Indonesia would have subjected him to serve a 14-day SHN. But he didn’t serve it because the authorities didn’t know that he had travelled there.
So What Happened?
It was only after Mr Wiluan returned home that the authorities realised that he had actually gone to Batam on 25 February and arrived in Singapore on 7 March from Jakarta. He then left for Los Angeles the next day and returned after 12 days.
ICA noted that despite the numerous health alert notices put up in the airport to remind travellers to declare their full travel history if they have gone to the affected countries in the last 14 days at the immigration counters, Mr Wiluan failed to adhere to the instructions.
As such, ICA officers visited his house on Monday, 23 March to issue him a 14-day SHN from 20 March to 3 April.
Mr Wiluan also had the validity of his re-entry permit into Singapore shortened as a result.
Why It’s Important To Declare Your Full Travel History
ICA took this opportunity to remind everyone who has travelled during this critical period to declare their full travel history accurately so as to ensure the safety of everyone in the country.
As we all know, the COVID-19 situation isn’t getting any better, and there is a need for stricter regulations to be put in place so that everyone adheres to them. We all need to be socially responsible and band together during this crisis so that we can emerge stronger.
Starting 9am on 27 March, all travellers arriving in Singapore including Singapore residents will be required to submit a health and travel declaration before entering. This includes their health status, where they have recently travelled to, personal information and contact details.
If you declare false or misleading information, you can be subjected to a fine of up to $10,000 and a jail term of up to six months under the Infectious Diseases Act.
If you are found to be a repeated offender, your fine will go up to $20,000 and you will be jailed up to 12 months.
For foreigners, the validity of your permit and pass to remain in Singapore will either be revoked or shortened by ICA.
