SINGAPORE — The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has issued stern warnings to 14 funeral directors and hearse drivers who gave red packets to National Environment Agency (NEA) employees at Mandai Crematorium in return for preferential treatment. The red packets typically contain money.

A total of 17 environmental health attendants from NEA who received the red packets also received stern warnings, the CPIB said in a media statement on Thursday (Sept 19).

The red packets were given as an inducement to “smoothen the cremation process”, the bureau said, although it did not elaborate on how this would happen. It also declined to disclose the sums of money put in the red packets.

In October last year, the NEA made a complaint to CPIB, which then launched an investigation, which has now been completed.

The CPIB investigation came to light following media reports in February. It triggered a public debate, with some arguing that the practice, which has been going on for years, is fine because it involves only small amounts — reportedly up to S$50 — and was seen as an auspicious gesture to show goodwill to the workers. Others, however, disagreed and pointed out that it is a form of corruption.

The CPIB said on Thursday that it issued the stern warnings in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers. It added that the giving and receiving of the red packets amounted to offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, read with the Criminal Procedure Code.

Besides the stern warnings, the 17 NEA employees faced departmental disciplinary action for violating the public service instruction manual, which states that public officers are not allowed to accept gifts on account of their official positions or work.

Two senior NEA officers also faced departmental disciplinary action for failing to report the guilty attendants, even though they were fully aware of it, CPIB said.

"The public is strongly advised not to give gifts or entertainment to public officers in return for favours which will constitute a corrupt act and is an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act," the bureau added.