Singapore proposes jail or reformative training as default for young scam offenders

The proposed Sentencing (Scams) Bill would make reformative training or imprisonment the default sentence for young offenders convicted of scam and scam-enabling offences. — AsiaOne pic 

First Published: Tuesday, 03 Nov 2026 5:23 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Nov 3 — Reformative training and jail time should be the default sentencing options for scammers and those who facilitate scams, according to a Bill proposed in Parliament on Tuesday (November 3).

The Sentencing (Scams) Bill, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), reaffirms Parliament's intention that scam and scam-enabling offences should be met with strong deterrent sentences because of the serious harm they cause to victims.

However, on September 10, the High Court published its judgment regarding the case of Mohamed Erzan Taib Zohri, one among six young offenders who allegedly committed scam-enabling offences.

The court allowed four of the six appeals and replaced the offenders' reformative training sentences with probation.

The High Court also held that reformative training or imprisonment should not be the default sentence for young offenders who commit scam-enabling offences. According to MHA, this is inconsistent with Parliament's intention that such offences should generally attract deterrent sentences.

Under the proposed Bill, the High Court's decision will not be binding on and need not be considered by any court when considering any sentence imposed on scam offenders or scam-enabling offences, or when hearing appeals relating to such sentences.

In addition, courts, except the Youth Court, should consider reformative training or imprisonment as the primary and default sentencing options for offenders aged 21 and below, unless there are exceptional circumstances, the Bill states.

Youth offences relating to scams on the rise

Scams remain the most prevalent crime type in Singapore, with an average of 90 scam reports amounting to S$2 million (RM6.4 million) in losses each day in the first half of 2026, MHA said.

Over 1,000 youths were investigated in connection with scam reports in 2025, while the number of youths who committed cheating and related offences rose 37 per cent, from 814 in 2024 to 1,114 in 2025.

These youths were largely involved in scam cases as mules, according to MHA.

“We need to do more to deter young offenders from being enticed by the prospect of quick financial gains to commit such offences,” the ministry stated.

MHA added: “If a deterrent approach is not taken, Singapore's scam and youth offending situation could deteriorate.”

MHA emphasised that scams can cause serious harm to victims and must be met with a strong deterrent message, which the Bill seeks to reinforce. — AsiaOne