When you furnish false information to a public servant, you will be guilty of a criminal offence punishable by a fine or even jail.

According to section 177 of the Penal Code, you are legally bound to provide accurate information to the authorities and if you are found to have done otherwise, you may be liable for sentencing or a fine, or both.

There are also three other sections within the Penal Code that deal with cases of providing false information or lying to public servants.

Making False Reports

Section 182: providing false information with intent to cause a public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person. This could refer to a police report against someone innocent out of spite, leading to a waste in police resources to investigate the matter. 

This section also covers offences such as making a false report against a public servant that would lead to investigative actions taken against them, disrupting their life.

Punishment: A jail term of up to 2 years, or a fine, or both.

Tampering With Evidence

Section 201: causing evidence of an offence committed to disappear, or giving false information to protect the offender. This could refer to a case of a person who knows of someone who had just committed a murder, but proceeds to help hide the body to protect the culprit from punishment.

Punishment: If the original offence is punishable by death, then the offender will get a jail term of up to 10 years, possibly including a fine. If the offence is punishable with life imprisonment, or up to 20 years in prison, the offender may be jailed up to 7 years, possibly including a fine. If the offence is punishable with anything less than 20 years in prison, the offender may be punished with a prison term of up to a quarter of the maximum prison term for the original offence, or with a fine.

Allowing A Criminal To Get Away

Section 203: deliberately giving false information to authorities, respecting the offence committed even after knowing the information to be false.

Punishment: a jail term of up to 2 years, a fine, or both. 

It is always best to provide the most accurate and truthful information to the best of your knowledge to aid authorities in keeping Singapore safe.

Getting a Criminal Lawyer in Singapore

Mr Amarjit Singh Sidhu of Amarjit Sidhu Law Practice has represented numerous clients in a wide variety of matters over the years from traffic offences, family disputes to high-profile criminal cases. With a vast knowledge of Singapore’s laws and a wealth of experience, Mr Amarjit Singh Sidhu will be able to provide valuable and timely advice for your situation. For more information, feel free to contact us for a consultation.