Expanding Penal Code Definition of Cheating to Cover Parties Contracting Individuals Without Intention of Paying Them

Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry can consider expanding the interpretation of cheating in the Penal Code to cover a party who intentionally contracts with individuals for services, such as that for freelance delivery work despite not having any intention or ability to pay for the service performed.

A person who dishonestly or fraudulently obtains services without intending to make full payment may be liable for one of the cheating-related offences in sections 417 or 420A of the Penal Code, which carry maximum imprisonment terms of three and 10 years respectively. Depending on the specific facts of the case, the situation that the Member described may already be covered by these offences.