Government-developed app now lets users report on people who aren't safe distancing in Singapore

Traditionally, snitches get stitches, but considering the circumstances we’re living in right now, telling on others might actually save lives. 

Distancing ourselves from other people is a crucial method to reduce the rate of coronavirus infections, but it’ll only be effective if everyone does it. Everyone didn’t do it, and that’s why it’s an immediate $300 fine for anyone caught breaching the circuit breaker measures. 

Enforcement officers can only do so much (if manpower is not stretched enough as it is), and now the government is relying on the kaypoh, complaining nature of Singaporeans to help the cause. OneService — a municipal services app developed by the government — now has a dedicated function for the purpose of reporting cases where safe distancing is not being responsibly practised. 

The app is typically used for residents to report municipal issues such as pest problems and required maintenance for facilities in the neighbourhood. With the latest update, residents just have to snap some pics of people not adhering to the social distancing measures and furnish additional details, including the time, date and location of the incident. 

But that’s not to say that the authorities will immediately drop by the area to fine folks flouting the rules. Instead, the information will be used to identify hotspots of frequent gatherings, where resources need to be prioritised. 

Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli has acknowledged on Facebook that his ministry has already been receiving “a lot of feedback on the circuit breaker measures”, including photos and videos of people not complying with the rules. 

So if someone defiantly wants to train his upper body strength at a fitness corner downstairs? Snitch on the app. Received a picture or video through WhatsApp of people not observing social distancing? Not something to upload on OneService. 

“Please don't send photos that you did not take yourselves as some of these cause our officers to waste time pursuing past events,” he cautioned. 

“As we begin a new week, I am clear that we will not hesitate to take action against those who continue to flout safe distancing measures. We will give no quarter to stubborn pockets of people in some public spaces. You have been warned.”

ilyas@asiaone.com