Singapore Prison Service debunks online claims that it launched ‘the world’s first floating prison’

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) has debunked claims online that the Republic recently launched the world’s first floating prison.

This comes after several viral social media posts suggested that a facility, located in waters 500m off Singapore’s coast, would solve the country’s overcrowding and land issues.

In one such post, which appeared on Instagram on July 13, the facility was touted to be “the future of urban incarceration”. It has since attracted more than 7,000 likes.

In another post, the facility was described as being “equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) surveillance, biometric security, robotic patrols and no traditional bars – just geofenced digital boundaries”. It purportedly could house more than 2,000 inmates.

The post, which included a photo with an aerial view of the fake facility, has garnered more than 9,000 likes since it was shared on July 15.

In a statement on July 17, SPS said it is aware of such posts being circulated online. “This is untrue. Neither have we had any discussions or plans for such, nor is there a need,” it said.

“We urge members of the public not to spread misinformation, nor to be taken in by such wild stories, and refer instead to SPS’ website and social media platforms for official information,” it added.