Chinese tourist probed by police for flying drone near Singapore Parliament

SINGAPORE:  Singaporean authorities reportedly investigated a Chinese tourist recently for flying a drone near Parliament House, according to the Chinese Embassy in Singapore.

In a statement released via WeChat on Wednesday (1 May), the Embassy emphasized the importance of its citizens adhering to Singapore’s drone operation regulations.

The Embassy highlighted a recent incident where a Chinese visitor, while in Singapore, flew a drone near Parliament House to capture ‘memorable moments’.

However, this action prompted Singaporean police to detain the individual for further investigation.

Singaporean regulations on Unmanned Aircraft (UA) stipulate that operating drones without a permit within designated areas, such as within a five-kilometre radius of airports or air force bases, restricted zones, or protected areas, or exceeding 200 feet above sea level, is illegal.

Under the Air Navigation Act 1966, violators may face fines of up to S$50,000, a maximum two-year imprisonment term, or both.

Parliament Singapore and the surrounding area are under no-fly zones.

Data released by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in April this year revealed enforcement actions taken against 309 cases of illegal drone usage in 2023.

Among these, eight individuals and seven companies were prosecuted, resulting in fines ranging from S$4,000 to S$45,000.

CAAS reported taking enforcement action against 396 cases of unlawful unmanned aircraft operations in 2022 and 266 cases in 2021, with drones being the primary concern in the majority of instances.

In February 2023, a 25-year-old man was fined $23,000 for recklessly flying an unregistered drone without recreational or educational purposes and lacking necessary permits.

Similarly, in May 2023, a construction firm faced a $45,000 fine for eight charges related to operating a drone in their business operations without required permits, with an additional 51 charges under consideration.

CAAS emphasized the growing popularity of drone flying activities in recent years, urging all operators to conduct such activities safely and responsibly.

They underscored the severity of violations, given the risks they pose to aviation operations and public safety.

Individuals are advised to consult the OneMap.sg website or the OneMap app for information on areas where unmanned aircraft activity is prohibited or necessitates a permit, according to CAAS.