The chief master of Tien Sen Hua Taoist Temple along Paya Lebar Road was fined $2,000 after organising an unlawful public procession that caused inconvenience to motorists in the area. The incident took place in October 2024 and involved a religious event that did not have the required police permit.
Lim Tong San, 62, admitted in court that he had organised the public procession without approval from the authorities. He was fined on Jan 22 after pleading guilty to the offence.
Court documents showed that Lim had planned an annual religious celebration involving the God of Justice, also known as Baogong, who is the chief deity of the temple.
A two-day religious event involved visits to multiple temples
As part of the two-day celebration, Lim and a group of devotees began visiting temples in the western part of Singapore on Oct 23, 2024. Over the course of the day, they managed to visit between 80 and 90 places of worship.
The following day, the group travelled by chartered buses and private vehicles to Tien Sen Tua Temple. The event continued into the night.
“Towards the end of the event at about 9pm… the devotees and volunteers of the temple participated in a foot procession organised and led by the accused,” said Deputy Public Prosecutor Maximilian Chew.
Procession occupied lanes and was live-streamed
The court heard that the procession was held along Paya Lebar Road and later turned into Ubi Avenue 2. During the procession, Lim, along with devotees and volunteers, occupied the leftmost lane of Paya Lebar Road towards Ubi Avenue 2.
They later used the left filter lane to turn into Ubi Avenue 2. According to the prosecution, the group walked about 400 metres.
“The purpose of the procession was to welcome the ‘Jade Emperor’ – the Supreme Ruler of Heaven in Taoism – to the temple,” the Deputy Public Prosecutor said.
The event was also live-streamed on YouTube, the court was told.
Police reminder on permit requirements
The police had earlier stated that taking part in a public procession without a permit is illegal.
A police spokesperson said: “Our laws and policies balance the need to provide adequate space for the conduct of public assemblies and processions, with the need to maintain public order and peace in Singapore.”
Under the law, a first-time offender can be fined up to $5,000. Repeat offenders may face a jail term of up to six months and a fine of up to $10,000.
