SINGAPORE — The police are investigating 44 people for flouting safe-distancing rules at a gathering on New Year's Day. 

At about 1.20am on Friday (Jan 1), the police received a report that there was a gathering at an industrial building along Boon Lay Way.

When officers arrived, they found a group of 29 men and 15 women, aged between 17 and 34, drinking, smoking and singing in an empty office.

Among the 44 people, 41 are Singaporeans and one is a Singapore permanent resident, the police said on Saturday. There was also a Malaysian and a Chinese national.

They are being investigated for flouting safe-distancing measures under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

Gatherings of more than eight people are banned in Singapore to combat Covid-19.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the group allegedly gathered to socialise and the premises are not licensed to provide public entertainment. Investigations are continuing.

Under the Public Entertainment Act, providing public entertainment without a valid licence carries a fine of up to S$20,000.

The police advised the public to take safe-distancing precautions seriously.

For non-compliance with these measures under the regulations, offenders may be jailed up to six months or fined up to S$10,000, or given both penalties.