DISTRIBUTION OF UNDESIRABLE PUBLICATIONS THROUGH FAX

Mr S. Chandra Das asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether he is aware that, with the advent of the facsimile machine, it is possible for distributors to proliferate undesirable publications, thus circumventing censorship; and, if so, what steps are being taken to curb this loophole.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, existing laws are adequate to deal with any person who uses a facsimile machine to transmit or to receive undesirable publications. Offenders can be prosecuted for the possession or distribution of these materials. For example, seditious and obscene contents are covered under the Sedition Act and the Penal Code respectively. Reproductions from publications prohibited under the Undesirable Publications Act will be dealt with under that Act. Those caught infringing the law will face penalties under the law with fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.

Recipients of unsolicited undesirable material transmitted by fax should destroy such material upon receipt. If they retain such material, they are liable to prosecution for possession. This is exactly the same as with recipients of undesirable material obtained unsolicited by mail or other means.