Seow Min Fu, 40, is alleged, together with a man, to have caused hurt to the victim by spraying the contents of a spray can into Mr Goh Chin Hock's eyes at a stairway of the complex at Victoria Street at about 4pm that day.

Mr Goh, 45, and 17 others were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties, skin irritation and nausea.

The charge did not say what the contents were, but police believe the substance to be pepper spray.

The prosecution applied for Seow to be remanded for further investigation as he is believed to be involved in 'similar offences'.

Seow, who was remanded until Wednesday, said through an interpreter that he wanted to engage a lawyer. If convicted, he can be jailed up to seven years or fined or caned.