Man charged for allegedly mailing pork parcel to mosque, linked to other incidents

A man was charged to a district court on Sept 27 for his alleged involvement in parcels containing pork which were sent to a mosque.

Bill Tan Keng Hwee, 61, was charged with deliberately intending to harm the religious feelings of a person.

Court documents showed that Tan had allegedly mailed an envelope addressed to the Masjid Al-Istiqamah located at 2 Serangoon North Ave 2, which contained a piece of pork and a note that read "halal BaBi chop".

A woman was sent to the hospital for breathlessness as a result of the incident, and several others were evacuated on Sept 24 when the parcel was discovered at the mosque.

Tan is said to be involved in several similar cases at other mosques in Singapore.

The police prosecutor requested for Tan to be remanded for a week for further investigations.

Asked if he had anything to say about the request, Tan, who appeared in court via video link, asked if he could wear a mask if he was brought out for investigations.

"That will be for the investigation officer to decide," said the judge.

If convicted, Tan faces up to three years' in jail, a fine, or both.

Addressing the issue on Sept 25, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said the act was inflammatory.

"Whatever the motive, this is playing with fire. We are treating this matter very seriously. We will deal firmly with anyone found responsible."

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on Sept 25 joined congregants at the mosque for pre-dawn prayers, and assured them that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the mosque are ready to support its staff and worshippers.

Speaking to the media after, Assoc Prof Faishal called for calm and urged people not to spread any misinformation while investigations are taking place.

He said: "We are investigating this matter, and we are taking it very seriously. Such incidents are unacceptable.

"The police are following up on all leads, and we will do everything possible to ensure the safety of our community."