An Indian woman’s social media post revealing the punishment for picking a fallen mango from a public tree in Singapore is doing rounds on the internet, shocking users with the massive fine imposed for the act. According to a post shared by Instagram user Priyanka Sinha, picking up a fallen mango could result in a fine of SGD 5,000, almost ₹3.5 lakh, leaving social media users, especially Indians, incredulous.
Public fruit trees maintained as state property
Explaining the regulation, Sinha said fruit trees planted in public spaces are considered government property in Singapore. As a result, residents are usually not allowed to pluck fruit or even pick up those that have fallen to the ground unless authorized by the authorities.
The issue gained attention online when several users compared the regulation to the practice in India, where people often have free access to fruit from roadside trees without restriction.
Severe penalties
The rule is also mentioned on the websites of Singapore’s Ministry of National Development and NParks. According to an official statement: “Trees, including their fruit, located on State land belong to the State. NParks manages most trees on State land. Members of the public who wish to pick fruit from trees or collect fruit that has fallen from trees on State land should contact NParks for a permit. Those who pluck or collect fruit in a public park without a permit can be fined up to $5,000 in of the National Parks and Trees Act.The park can be fined up to $50,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 6 months.
Social networks react with humor and surprise
The post drew mixed reactions online. While some users felt the punishments were too harsh, others argued that the strict civil rules are one of the reasons why Singapore remains clean and orderly.
One user quipped: “What if our pets can help pick?”, to which another responded: “In Singapore, pets are treated as an extension of the owner. If your pet picks fruit from a public tree, you are legally considered to have ’caused or permitted’ the act.”
Another social media user wrote: “OMG! My India is the best.”
Singapore is internationally recognized for its strict regulations regarding cleanliness, vandalism, littering and misuse of public property. Authorities in the city-state have long argued that strict enforcement and heavy penalties help maintain public order and maintain high civic standards.
