Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts

36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963.

Tel: 3757794/5

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During the three-hour raid, BFC officers seized 45 video cassette recorders, eight distributors and one television set which were interconnected. Nearly 1, 600 videotapes were seized of which about 1, 200 were obscene. The remaining videotapes found to be blank are believed to be for the use of duplicating obscene videos. Also confiscated during the operation were about 400 obscene photographs possibly for use as covers, 140 obscene VCDs, record books and receipt books containing details on sale and rental of videos.

The obscene videotapes seized from the flat in Chiku Mansion are believed to be for distribution to stalls in Desker Road. Raids were also conducted in Desker Road and Syed Alwi Road, where another 200 obscene videotapes were found.

Earlier, on Wednesday (4 Mar 98), BFC also raided five shops in Sim Lim Square and seized more than 3, 000 VCDs. Nine per cent were obscene. The remaining items are largely uncensored Chinese and English movie titles such as Titanic, The Postman, The Full Monty and Jacky Chan’s Who Am I?

The raid on Thursday brings the number of raids conducted islandwide to 90 so far this year. More than 50, 000 uncensored VCDs have been seized from these raids. Ten per cent were obscene.

Under the current Films Act, those charged for the distribution of obscene videos may be fined a maximum of $40, 000 or receive a two-year jail term or both. Those charged for operating an unlicensed business of making videos can be fined a maximum of $20, 000 or given a jail term of six months or both.

When the recent amendments to the Films Act take effect, the penalties for offences such as distribution and duplication of obscene videos will be enhanced. Those found guilty of distributing obscene videos could be fined up to $80, 000 and/or a jail term not exceeding two years. Those caught duplicating them could face a maximum fine of $40, 000 and or/a jail term of up to two years.

Anyone with information on the availability of obscene videos can call the BFC enforcement hotline at 8389355 or 8389363.

9 Mar 1998

For visuals on seized materials and other press queries, please call Zaitun Ali at 3757076.