SINGAPORE - A postman who was arrested in January for tossing unopened letters and packages into a rubbish bin in Ang Mo Kio has been issued an advisory following investigations, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said.

The postman has special needs, the authority added.

In a statement on Tuesday (May 21), IMDA said it had also given a stern warning to SingPost, for allowing mail integrity and security to be compromised.

The 29-year-old postman, who served 17 Housing Board blocks in Ang Mo Kio, was arrested on Jan 29, after a Facebook user by the name of Alyce Kathlyn shared images of the discarded letters in the bin.

Among them was official mail from the Land Transport Authority, the National University of Singapore, and the Community Health Assist Scheme, among others.

SingPost conducted internal investigations and later referred the case to the police.

On Tuesday, IMDA said the postman had expressed remorse for his actions and was fully cooperative during IMDA's investigations but was found in breach of the Postal Services Act.

IMDA said it decided to issue an advisory to the postman "in view of the facts and circumstances".

In response to media queries, SingPost said the postman had been working satisfactorily for the postal service provider for more than three years before committing the offence. He had worked without major incident, including during festive peaks, and SingPost had not been aware of his condition.

SingPost said that given the severity of the offence, it had previously dismissed the postman in accordance with disciplinary guidelines.

But it later offered him re-employment, after it was informed of IMDA's findings. Although he accepted another role in SingPost, The Straits Times understands he has since left.

The postal agency said that, as a firm believer in equal opportunity employment, it would continue to offer jobs to suitable candidates who meet job requirements, as well as provide comprehensive training and support for employees.

"SingPost remains deeply committed to its responsibility as Singapore's national postal agency," it said, as it urged the public to be patient while changes to its processes are being implemented.

IMDA said it had noted SingPost's commitment and ongoing efforts to improve employee engagement and human resources practices.