BURNING OF JOSS STICKS AND INCENSE

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether believers are allowed to burn joss sticks and incense in front of their house in a private housing estate and how a police officer will mediate in a quarrel and a fight started by a neighbour who disagrees with such practices.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: The burning of joss sticks and incense is governed by guidelines issued by the Ministry of the Environment. ENV does not object to the burning of joss sticks and incense in front of houses in a private housing estate as long as these guidelines are complied with.

When a quarrel or a fight between neighbours is reported, the Police's main role is to maintain law and order and ensure that there is no breach of the peace.

On Police arrival, if no fight has taken place, or a non-seizable offence such as voluntarily causing hurt has been committed, both parties will be interviewed and advised to observe the peace. Where appropriate, they will be advised to either seek a legal recourse or to go to the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) to resolve their dispute.

On Police arrival, if a fight is taking place between the neighbours in a public area, an offence of affray under section 160 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 would have been committed. In such a case, Police would be empowered to arrest both parties involved in the fight and initiate an investigation.