From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
Singapore Proposes Default Sentencing for Young Scam Offenders
Singapore's new law sets jail or reformative training as default for young scam offenders.
In brief
Singapore's new law sets jail or reformative training as default for young scam offenders. Singapore's Sentencing (Scams) Bill makes jail or reformative training the default sentence for young scam offenders to deter crime. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Singapore Proposes New Law
Singapore's Sentencing (Scams) Bill would make reformative training or imprisonment the default sentence for young offenders convicted of scam and scam-enabling offences.
High Court Ruling Contradicts Default
The High Court allowed four of six young offenders' appeals, replacing reformative training with probation and stating reformative training should not be the default sentence.
Bill Overrides Court Decision
Under the proposed Bill, the High Court's decision will not be binding on courts when sentencing scam offenders or hearing appeals.
Youth Scam Offences Rising
Over 1,000 youths were investigated in scam reports in 2025, with cheating offences rising 37 percent from 814 in 2024 to 1,114 in 2.025.
MHA Calls for Deterrence
The Ministry of Home Affairs states Singapore's scam situation could deteriorate without a deterrent approach to young offenders.
Default Sentencing Rules
Courts should consider reformative training or imprisonment as the primary sentence for offenders aged 21 and below unless exceptional circumstances exist.
The takeaway
Singapore's Sentencing (Scams) Bill makes jail or reformative training the default sentence for young scam offenders to deter crime.
