The acts, linked to a climate activist group, have sparked investigations and possible additional charges.
Benjamin Chia Yit Loong, a 23-year-old National University of Singapore (NUS) student, has been charged with public nuisance after allegedly deflating the tyres of five cars at two multi-storey carparks in Woodlands on Nov 19. The incidents occurred between 10am and noon at carparks at Block 517A and Block 519A Woodlands Drive 14. Alongside the deflated tyres, fliers were placed on the vehicles, reportedly in the name of a climate activist group opposing the use of sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
The police were alerted by one car owner who discovered the damage. Subsequent investigations revealed that at least four other vehicles had been similarly targeted. Chia was arrested within eight hours of the report.
Appearing in court via video link on Nov 21, Chia, handcuffed and dressed in a blue T-shirt, heard the prosecution request an adjournment for further investigation. It was revealed that more charges might be filed.
Chia’s lawyer, Anil Sandhu, highlighted that the case coincided with the exam period at NUS and requested a delay in proceedings until after his client’s exams. Chia’s parents, who were present in court, will post his $5,000 bail. The case is scheduled for mention again on Dec 9.
An NUS spokesperson confirmed that the university takes a serious stance on student misconduct, including criminal offences committed off-campus. Disciplinary action will follow the outcome of the court proceedings.
If convicted, Chia faces up to three months in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. The case marks what is believed to be Singapore’s first incident connected to this specific activist group.
