Man charged over parcel incident at Al-Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North
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Singapore Civil Defence Force vehicles seen outside the Al-Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North on Sept 24.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – A Singaporean man was charged in a district court on Sept 27 for his alleged involvement in a parcel containing pork which was sent to a mosque
Bill Tan Keng Hwee, 61, was charged with deliberately intending to harm the racial feelings of a person.
Court documents showed that Tan had allegedly mailed an envelope addressed to the Masjid Al-Istiqamah located at 2 Serangoon North Avenue 2, which contained a piece of pork and a note that read “halal BaBi chop”.
A woman was taken to hospital for breathlessness as a result of the incident, and several others were evacuated on Sept 24 when the parcel was discovered at the mosque.
Tan is said to be involved in several similar cases at other mosques in Singapore.
The police prosecutor requested that Tan be remanded for a week for further investigations.
Asked if he had anything to say to the request, Tan, who appeared in court via video link, asked if he could wear a mask if he was taken out for investigations.
“That will be for the investigation officer to decide,” said the judge.
In response to The Straits Times’ queries, a spokesperson for Eunoia Junior College confirmed that Tan is an operations support staff member with the school.
If convicted, Tan faces up to three years’ jail, a fine, or both.
Addressing the issue on Sept 25, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said the act was inflammatory.
“Whatever the motive, this is playing with fire. We are treating this matter very seriously. We will deal firmly with anyone found responsible.”
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on Sept 25 joined congregants at the mosque for pre-dawn prayers
Speaking to the media afterwards, Associate Professor Faishal called for calm and urged people not to spread any misinformation while investigations are taking place.
He said: “We are investigating this matter, and we are taking it very seriously. Such incidents are unacceptable.
“The police are following up on all leads, and we will do everything possible to ensure the safety of our community.”
