Man charged over fake crocodile image at Pandan Reservoir

Ye, who spoke through an interpreter, said he intends to plead guilty and will not be engaging a lawyer.

On Aug 20, national water agency PUB received a report of a crocodile sighting at the reservoir, accompanied by a photo.

As a result, water activities in the reservoir were suspended for two days. PUB and the National Parks Board also launched search-and-capture operations in the area.

The agencies also informed the Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation, which conduct water activities at the reservoir, to suspend all activities.

PUB filed a police report after verifying on Aug 21 that the photo was fake. Search operations were ceased, and water activities resumed on Aug 22.

For transmitting a false message, a person can be fined up to $10,000, jailed up to three years, or both.

For the obstruction of justice, an offender can be jailed for up to seven years, fined, or both.

Ye’s case will be heard again in court in November.