Bus driver fined S$1,000 for unauthorised Falungong assembly in Jurong
A 59-year-old Singaporean bus driver was fined S$1,000 for taking part in a public assembly without a permit. He wore a placard promoting Falungong while meditating in Jurong and displayed messages on his bus.
- Bus driver Peh Teck Ho, 59, was fined S$1,000 for participating in an unauthorised Falungong assembly in Jurong.
- He meditated on a grass patch while wearing a placard and displayed Falungong messages on his bus.
- The court imposed the fine under the Public Order Act, which requires permits for public assemblies.
A bus driver in Singapore has been fined S$1,000 for participating in an unauthorised public assembly promoting Falungong.
The case, heard in court on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, involved 59-year-old Peh Teck Ho, who displayed Falungong messages and meditated publicly while wearing a placard.
Incident in Jurong
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Jason Chua, the incident occurred on 5 July 2023.
Peh had parked his bus at Town Hall Link after completing his morning shift. He then affixed Falungong-related writings to the front and rear windscreens of the vehicle.
Afterwards, he proceeded to a nearby grass patch along Science Park Road in Jurong, where he meditated while wearing a placard.
The sign, written in Chinese, read: “Falun Dafa is good. Truthfulness, compassion, forbearance are good. Clean world network.” The translation was reported by Lianhe Zaobao.
Repeat actions noted
DPP Chua informed the court that Peh had engaged in similar activities earlier in 2023.
In February and March of that year, he had placed Falungong-related writings in public areas.
Given the repeated nature of his conduct, the prosecution requested a fine of at least S$1,000.
Defence plea
Defence lawyers Foo Chuan Ri and Tan Seng Kiat argued for a lower fine of S$500.
They said Peh had acted out of religious conviction rather than intent to cause disruption or offence.
The lawyers added that Peh supports his family on a monthly income of about S$3,000. His dependants include a daughter currently studying at a polytechnic.
Court’s decision
The court imposed a S$1,000 fine, aligning with the prosecution’s request.
Under Singapore’s Public Order Act, participating in a public assembly without a permit is an offence. Convicted individuals may face fines of up to S$3,000.
The case reflects Singapore’s strict enforcement of laws governing public demonstrations and assemblies, which require prior approval from authorities.
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