SINGAPORE — The Police arrested three teenagers aged between 17 and 19 for their suspected involvement in a spitting incident in a shopping mall, it said in a statement on Thursday (March 12).

The teenagers — two males and one female — were arrested after police received reports on March 3 of an online video of what appeared to be a male teen spitting from an upper floor of a mall.

The statement added that the incident happened on Feb 28 around 6.30pm on level four of a shopping centre in the central region and an 18-year-old male is alleged to have carried out the act.

“The videos had caused alarm and annoyance at a time when Singapore is dealing with the Covid-19 situation, as infections can spread indirectly through contaminated surfaces,” said the police. 

Identities of the teens were established through ground enquiries and closed-circuit television images.

“The Police take a serious view of such inconsiderate and irresponsible behaviour, especially in the current Covid-19 situation,” said the Police which added that investigations are ongoing.

The offence of public nuisance under Section 290 of the Penal Code carries a fine of up to S$2,000.

If the act is deemed to be able to cause with “reasonable probability”, any common injury, danger or annoyance to the public, or those who dwell or occupy property in the vicinity, the offence will carry a jail term of up to three months, or a fine up to S$2,000, or both.