One officer gets four weeks’ jail for posing with loaded gun, while his colleague receives a week-long sentence.

On February 5, two former security officers were sentenced for posting inappropriate photos and videos while on duty at the Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore. Muhammad Noorarman Shah Anwar, aged 23, was sentenced to four weeks in prison for taking a photograph at the checkpoint, a protected area. Additionally, one of the charges against him for endangering his colleague’s safety by pointing a loaded firearm at him was considered during sentencing.

Noorarman’s colleague, Muhammad Amali Abdul Halim, also 23, was handed a sentence of one week in jail for his involvement in the incident. The pair had been assigned to screen vehicles at the checkpoint when they decided to take photos and videos, which breached security protocols.

Noorarman, who had been issued a service revolver as part of his duties, proposed the idea of taking photos while wearing a ski mask. On September 28, 2024, he asked Amali to assist him with this, and Amali complied. Noorarman proceeded to take a photo of himself inside the checkpoint booth with the fully loaded revolver, even pointing the weapon at Amali for some of the shots. He also directed Amali to capture footage of him pointing the weapon through the glass booth.

Despite Amali’s warnings against sharing the content, Noorarman posted the photos and videos on Instagram, believing it would gain attention and be amusing. He later removed the posts after receiving advice from a friend. The photos and videos were brought to light when their officer-in-charge at Aetos filed a police report two days later, leading to their termination of employment.

During the trial, Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) June Ngian expressed concern over the security risks posed by the actions of the officers, highlighting that Noorarman had abused the trust placed in him and left the checkpoint unattended. She stated that their actions could have jeopardised the safety of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

DPP Ngian recommended a sentence of six to eight weeks for Noorarman, emphasising his role in the security of the checkpoint, while she sought a sentence of two to four weeks for Amali, noting his lesser involvement in the actions. Offenders convicted of taking photos in a protected area without permission can face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.