SINGAPORE — A 58-year-old man was fined S$5,000 on Wednesday (Jan 13), after he was filmed in an online video shouting at a mall employee who had asked him to pull up his mask.

Syed Mohamad Farik Syed Rahmat pleaded guilty to harassing the staff member at Novena Square 2 mall, as well as for leaving his home to drink during the circuit breaker period last April and May when movement was retricted due to Covid-19. 

Three similar charges were taken into consideration during sentencing, including for using threatening words against a manager at Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange by telling him to “watch out outside”.

During the squabble on May 11, he swore in Hokkien at the staff member who was monitoring the digital SafeEntry system at the entrance of Square 2 mall and had to be restrained by members of the public.

A video that was circulating on social media showed Syed Mohamad Farik, with his mask pulled under his chin, shouting and seemingly challenging the staff member to a fight.

Less than a week later, on May 16, he was spotted drinking with two friends by policemen on patrol on the ground floor of Block 78 Redhill Lane, near his home.

Both incidents happened during the circuit breaker.

When Syed Mohamad Farik was approached by police officers on May 16, he refused to provide his particulars and raised his voice at them.

He was issued a S$1,000 fine two days later but did not pay it by the deadline.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Emily Koh sought a S$6,000 fine on Wednesday, noting that he had previously been jailed for similar incidents towards public servants.

Syed Mohamad Farik, who was not represented by a lawyer, admitted that he loses control of his emotions easily. He asked for leniency as he has stayed out of prison for the past few years. 

He will serve three weeks’ jail as he did not pay the fine.

For harassment, he could have been fined up to S$5,000 or jailed up to six months, or punished with both.

For leaving his home without a reasonable excuse during the circuit breaker period, he could have been fined up to S$10,000 or jailed up to six months, or punished with both.