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| Boilerpipe Text | Caning
is a widely used form of
corporal punishment
in
Singapore
. It can be divided into several contexts: judicial, prison, reformatory, military, school, and domestic. These practices of caning as punishment were introduced during the period of
British colonial rule in Singapore
.
[
1
]
Similar forms of corporal punishment are also used in some other former British colonies, including two of Singapore's neighbouring countries:
Malaysia
and
Brunei
.
Of these,
judicial caning
is the most severe. It is applicable to only adult male convicts under the age of 50 for a wide range of offences under the
Criminal Procedure Code
, up to a maximum of 24 strokes per trial. Always ordered in addition to a prison sentence, it is inflicted by
specially trained prison staff
using a long and thick
rattan
cane on the prisoner's buttocks in an enclosed area in the prison. Male criminals who were not sentenced to caning earlier in a court of law may also be punished by caning in the same way if they commit aggravated offences while serving time in prison. Similarly, male juvenile delinquents in
reformatories
may be punished by caning for serious offences.
Servicemen in the
Singapore Armed Forces
(SAF) who commit serious military offences may be sentenced by a military court to a less severe form of caning in the SAF Detention Barracks, which houses military offenders.
In a much milder form, caning is used as a disciplinary measure in schools. Boys aged between 6 and 19 may be given up to three strokes with a light rattan cane on the buttocks over clothing or the palm of the hand as a punishment for serious misconduct, often as a last resort. As the law does not allow schools to cane girls, they receive alternative forms of punishment such as detention or suspension.
A smaller cane or other implement is often used by some parents to punish their children. This practice is allowed in Singapore but not encouraged by the government. The Singaporean government has stated that in its opinion, the
Convention on the Rights of the Child
does not prohibit "the judicious application of corporal punishment in the
best interest of the child
."
[
2
]
Caning, as a form of legally sanctioned corporal punishment for convicted criminals, was first introduced to
Malaya
and Singapore during the
period of British colonial rule
in the 19th century. It was formally codified under the
Straits Settlements Penal Code Ordinance IV
in 1871.
[
1
]
In that era, offences punishable by caning were similar to those punishable by
birching
or
flogging
(with the
cat o' nine tails
) in
England and Wales
. They included
robbery
, aggravated forms of
theft
,
burglary
,
assault
with the intention of
sexual abuse
, a second or subsequent conviction of
rape
, a second or subsequent offence relating to
prostitution
, and living on or trading in prostitution.
[
1
]
Caning remained on the statute book after Malaysia became independent from Britain in 1957, and after Singapore ceased to be part of Malaysia in 1965. Subsequent legislation has been passed by the
Parliament of Singapore
over the years to increase the minimum strokes an offender receives, and the number of crimes that may be punished with caning.
[
1
]
Sections 325–332 of the
Criminal Procedure Code 2010
lay down the procedures governing caning. They include the following:
A male offender, under 50 years of age, who has been certified to be in a fit state of health by a medical officer is liable to be caned.
[
3
]
The offender shall receive no more than 24 strokes of the cane on any one occasion, irrespective of the total number of offences committed.
[
4
]
In other words, a man cannot be sentenced to more than 24 strokes of the cane in a single trial, but he may receive more than 24 strokes if the sentences are given out in separate trials.
[
5
]
However, in the first case where a prisoner received more than 24 strokes in a single trial, armed robber Qwek Kee Chong (who served ten years in prison) was given 48 strokes of the cane on 8 April 1988 and later hospitalised for his injuries from the caning; he was later granted compensation for this error.
[
6
]
If the offender is under 18, he may receive up to 10 strokes, but with a lighter cane.
[
4
]
[
7
]
[
8
]
Boys under 16 may be sentenced to caning only by the
High Court
and not by the
State Courts
.
Offenders
sentenced to death
whose sentences have not been commuted shall not be caned.
[
9
]
The
rattan
cane used shall not exceed 1.27 cm (0.50 inches) in diameter.
[
8
]
Caning must not be carried out in instalments.
[
7
]
This is to ensure that prisoners receive their punishment in a single session and do not have to go through the process repeatedly, even if the full sentence might not have been administered for medical reasons.
[
10
]
Any male convict, whether sentenced to caning or not, may also be caned in prison if he commits certain offences while serving time in prison.
[
11
]
Singapore has not signed or ratified a number of
international human rights treaties
which prohibit the use of corporal punishment. These include the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
, the
Convention Against Torture
and the
International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
.
[
12
]
Under the law, women, men above the age of 50, and men
sentenced to death
, whose sentences have not been commuted, cannot be sentenced to caning.
[
9
]
It was not uncommon for the courts to extend, by up to 12 months,
[
13
]
the prison terms of offenders originally sentenced to caning but later found to be medically unfit to undergo the punishment. However, on 9 May 2017, the
High Court
ruled that the courts should not automatically impose an additional jail term in lieu of caning unless there are reasons to do so.
[
14
]
According to judicial indicative guidelines, in situations where the court has to extend a convict's prison term in lieu of caning, the extension will range from nine to 12 months when the case involves more than 19 strokes of the cane.
[
15
]
Offences punishable by caning
[
edit
]
Singaporean law allows caning to be ordered for over 35 offences, including
hostage-taking
/
kidnapping
,
robbery
, gang robbery with
murder
,
rioting
, scams,
causing grievous hurt
,
drug abuse
,
vandalism
,
extortion
,
voyeurism
,
sexual abuse, molestation (outrage of modesty)
,
[
16
]
and
unlawful possession of weapons
. Caning is also a mandatory punishment for certain offences such as
rape
,
drug trafficking
,
illegal moneylending
,
[
17
]
and for foreigners who overstay by more than 90 days – a measure designed to deter illegal immigrants.
[
18
]
While most of Singapore's laws on offences punishable by caning were inherited from the British legal system through the
Indian Penal Code
, the
Vandalism Act
was only introduced in 1966 after independence, in what has been argued by Jothie Rajah to be an attempt by the ruling
People's Action Party
(PAP) to suppress the opposition's activities in the 1960s because opposition supporters vandalised public property with anti-PAP graffiti.
Vandalism was originally prohibited by the Minor Offences Act, which made it punishable by a fine of up to S$50 or a week in jail, but did not permit caning.
[
19
]
Today, the Vandalism Act imposes a mandatory caning sentence of between three and eight strokes for a conviction of vandalism. Caning is not imposed on first-time offenders who use delible substances (e.g. pencil, crayon, chalk) to commit vandalism.
[
20
]
Beginning in the 1990s, the higher courts have been more inclined to impose caning sentences in cases where caning is a discretionary punishment. For example, in 1993, an 18-year-old molester was initially sentenced to six months' imprisonment but he appealed against his sentence.
Chief Justice
Yong Pung How
not only dismissed his appeal, but also added three strokes of the cane to the sentence. This
precedent
set by the Chief Justice became a benchmark for sentences in molestation cases, where the court is expected to sentence a molester to at least nine months' imprisonment and three strokes of the cane if the offence involves touching the victim's private parts.
[
21
]
In some cases, male employees can be sentenced to caning for offences committed by the company they work for. For instance, the Dangerous Fireworks Act states that caning is mandatory for a manager or owner of a company which imports, delivers or sells dangerous fireworks. Another example is the transporting of illegal immigrants; a manager of a company who authorises or participates in such activity can be sentenced to caning.
[
21
]
In July 1998, police reported six cases of employers sentenced to imprisonment and caning for hiring illegal immigrants.
[
22
]
The
importation of chewing gum
is subject only to fines; it is not and has never been an offence punishable by caning.
[
23
]
In 1993, the number of caning sentences ordered by the courts was 3,244.
[
24
]
By 2007, this figure had doubled to 6,404, of which about 95% were actually implemented.
[
25
]
Since 2007, the number of caning sentences has experienced an overall decline, falling to 1,257 in 2016.
Caning takes place at several institutions around Singapore, most notably
Changi Prison
, and including the now defunct Queenstown Remand Centre, where
Michael Fay
was caned in 1994. Canings are also administered in Drug Rehabilitation Centres.
Year
Number of sentences
Sentences carried out
Notes
1993
3,244
[
24
]
2006
5,984
95%
[
26
]
2007
6,406
95%
[
25
]
2008
4,078
98.7%
January to September only
[
27
]
2009
4,228
99.8%
January to November only
[
28
]
2010
3,170
98.7%
[
29
]
2011
2,318
98.9%
[
30
]
2012
2,500
88.1%
[
31
]
2014
1,430
86%
January to September only
[
32
]
2015
1,382
81.7%
January to October only
[
33
]
2016
1,257
78.5%
January to October only
[
34
]
Most caning sentences are far below the legal limit of 24 strokes. Although sentences of between three and six strokes are much more common, they usually receive less or no coverage by the media. Normally, only the more serious cases involving heavier sentences will have a greater tendency to be reported in the press.
[
35
]
The prison officers who administer caning are carefully selected and specially trained for the job. They are generally physically fit and strongly built. Some hold high grades in martial arts even though proficiency in martial arts is not a requirement for the job.
[
36
]
They are trained to use their entire body weight as the power behind every stroke instead of using only the strength from their arms,
[
37
]
as well as to induce as much pain as possible. They can swing the cane at a speed of up to 160 km/h (99 miles per hour)
[
38
]
and produce a force upon impact of at least 880
N
.
[
39
]
A
rattan
[
40
]
cane, no more than 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) in diameter
[
8
]
and about 1.2 m (3.9 feet) in length, is used for judicial and prison canings. It is about twice as thick as the canes used in the school and military contexts. The cane is soaked in water overnight to make it supple and prevent it from splitting and embedding splinters in the wounds.
[
37
]
The Prisons Department denies that the cane is soaked in
brine
, but has said that it is treated with
antiseptic
before use to prevent infection.
[
41
]
A lighter cane is used for juvenile offenders.
[
8
]
Administration procedure
[
edit
]
Caning is, in practice, always ordered in addition to a jail sentence, and not as a punishment by itself. Those who are sentenced to caning and are in the process of appealing against their sentences do not have their sentences carried out while pending the outcome of their appeals. Similarly, during the period before the convicts' deadlines of their appeal notices, caning is not carried out until the deadline expires and with the convict not making a notice of appeal.
It is administered in an enclosed area in the prison out of the view of the public and other inmates.
[
10
]
However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the offender, while waiting in a queue for his turn to be caned, has the chance to observe
[
42
]
or hear the screams and cries of those before him getting caned.
[
43
]
The order is determined by the number of strokes the offender is receiving, with the largest number going first.
[
44
]
A medical officer and the Superintendent of Prisons are required to be present at every caning session.
[
45
]
The offender is not told in advance when he will be caned; he is notified only on the day his sentence is to be carried out.
[
46
]
Offenders often undergo a lot of psychological distress as a result of being put into such uncertainty.
[
38
]
On the day itself, the medical officer examines him by measuring his blood pressure and other physical conditions to check whether he is medically fit for the caning. If he is certified fit, he proceeds to receive his punishment; if he is certified unfit, he is sent back to the court for the sentence to be remitted or converted to additional time in prison. A prison officer confirms with him the number of strokes he has been sentenced to.
[
47
]
In practice, the offender is required to strip completely naked for the caning. Once he has removed his clothes, he is restrained in a large wooden trestle based on the British dual-purpose prison flogging frame. He stands barefooted on the trestle base and bends over a padded horizontal crossbar on one side of the trestle, with the crossbar adjusted to around his waist level. His feet are tied to a lower crossbar on the same side by restraining ankle cuffs made of leather, while his hands are secured to another horizontal crossbar on the other side by wrist cuffs of similar design; his hands can hold on to the crossbar. After he is secured to the trestle in a bent-over position at an angle of close to 90° at the hip, protective padding is tied around his lower back to protect the vulnerable kidney and lower spine area from any strokes that might land off-target.
[
41
]
[
48
]
The punishment is administered on his bare buttocks
[
49
]
to minimise the risk of any injury to bones and organs.
[
10
]
He is not gagged.
[
41
]
The caning officer positions himself beside the trestle. The Director of Prisons explained in a 1974 press conference, "Correct positioning is critically important. If he is too near the prisoner, the tip of the cane will fall beyond the buttocks and the force of the stroke will cause the unsupported tip to dip and bend the cane and thus reduce the effect of the stroke. If he is too far, the stroke will only cover part of the buttocks." Strokes are delivered at intervals of about 30 seconds.
[
37
]
The caning officer is required to exert as much strength as he can muster for each stroke.
[
41
]
The offender receives all the strokes in a single caning session, not in instalments.
[
7
]
[
50
]
According to anecdotal evidence, if the sentence involves a large number of strokes, two or more officers will take turns to cane the offender every six strokes to ensure that the later strokes are as forceful as the earlier ones.
[
51
]
[
43
]
During the caning, if the medical officer certifies that the offender is not in a fit state of health to undergo the rest of the punishment, the caning must be stopped.
[
3
]
The offender will then be sent back to the court for the remaining number of strokes to be remitted or converted to a prison term of no more than 12 months, in addition to the original prison term he was sentenced to.
[
52
]
Caning can cause significant physical damage, depending largely on the number of strokes inflicted.
Michael Fay
, who received four strokes, said in an interview, "The skin did rip open, there was some blood. I mean, let's not exaggerate, and let's not say a few drops or that the blood was gushing out. It was in between the two. It's like a bloody nose."
[
53
]
A report by the
Singapore Bar Association
stated, "The blows are applied with the full force of the jailer's arm. When the rattan hits the bare buttocks, the skin disintegrates, leaving a white line and then a flow of blood."
[
54
]
Usually, the buttocks will be covered with blood after three strokes.
[
37
]
More profuse bleeding may occur in the case of a larger number of strokes. An eyewitness described that after 24 strokes, the buttocks will be a "bloody mess".
[
44
]
Men who were caned have variously described the pain they experienced as "unbearable", "excruciating", "equivalent to getting hit by a lorry",
[
42
]
"having a hot iron placed on your buttocks",
[
44
]
etc. A recipient of 10 strokes said, "The pain was beyond description. If there is a word stronger than excruciating, that should be the word to describe it".
[
55
]
[
56
]
Most offenders struggle violently after each of the first three strokes and then their struggles lessen as they become weaker. By the time the caning is over, those who receive more than three strokes will be in a
state of shock
. During the caning, some offenders will pretend to faint but they have not been able to fool the medical officer, who decides whether the punishment continues or stops.
[
57
]
Offenders often undergo a lot of psychological distress before and during the caning: They are not only afraid of the physical pain, but are also worried whether they can prevent themselves from crying out because crying means that they would "
lose face
"
[
37
]
and be labelled "weak" by their fellow inmates.
[
44
]
Gopal Baratham
, a Singaporean neurosurgeon and opponent of the practice, in his book
The Caning of Michael Fay: The Inside Story by a Singaporean
, criticised the American
tabloid press
for false claims, such as that canings are public events (in fact they always take place privately inside the prison):
Two lashers took turns to wield the bamboo cane. Blood spurted, bits of flesh flew and the prisoner screamed in pain. ... The canings drew hundreds of people, including a lot of women and everybody seemed to love it. Each time the guy got wacked [
sic
], the crowd would roar – like at a hockey game. They really enjoyed what they saw. (
New York Newsday
, 20 April 1994)
[
58
]
After the caning, the offender is released from the trestle and receives medical treatment. Antiseptic lotion (
gentian violet
) is applied on the wounds.
[
59
]
The offender is also given painkillers and antibiotics.
[
43
]
The wounds usually take between a week and a month to heal, depending on the number of strokes received. During this time, offenders cannot sit down or lie down on their backs, and experience difficulties controlling their bowels. Bleeding from the buttocks may still occur in the days after the caning.
[
43
]
[
60
]
Madasamy Ravi
, a human rights lawyer, described the injuries of his client, Ye Ming Yuen, who received 24 strokes, as follows:
All over his buttocks were multiple marks and deep lacerations. It was so shocking [that] my female paralegal who was with me almost fainted. [...] The wounds were so deep with blood, flesh and layers of the skin exposed. He didn't have any bandages, just a towel to put over the buttocks. He couldn't sit for too long so he was standing up.
[
43
]
Permanent scars remain after the wounds have healed.
[
60
]
Beh Meng Chai
Nyu Kok Meng
Soosay Sinnappen
Michael P. Fay
Ng Theng Shuang
Kraisak Sakha
Khwan-On Natthaphon
Ng Chek Siong, one of the three suspects behind the
murder of Lee Kok Cheong
Galing Kujat
Oliver Fricker
Yong Vui Kong
Cheong Chun Yin
Wang Wenfeng
Tony Anak Imba
,
Hairee Anak Landak
and
Donny Anak Meluda
Yap Weng Wah
Gobi Avedian
David James Roach
Dominic Martin Fernandez
Ahmad Muin Yaacob
Mogan Valo
Harun bin Ripin
Bala Kuppusamy
Two of three Singaporean men charged with the
murder of Lee Juay Heng
Kuppiah Saravanan
Eight members of the
Ang Soon Tong
[
citation needed
]
Zainal Abidin Abdul Malik
Sashi Kumar Pubalasingam, who beat and raped a 69-year-old widow and sexually assaulted two students.
[
61
]
Chua Gin Boon
Three of the four youths who were charged with the murder of a 48-year-old taxi driver
Jaswant Singh
One of the two men charged with murdering lorry driver
Yeu Lam Ching
A welder and one of the two murderers responsible for the 1985 contract
murder of Nurdin Nguan Song
Roshdi Abdullah Altway
Two men convicted for the
Oriental Hotel murder
The seven gang members charged with the
murder of Png Hock Seng
Saminathan Subramaniam
Mohammad Zam Abdul Rashid
Ng Hua Chye
The eight gang members of
Salakau
, who were the perpetrators of a gang attack at
South Bridge Road
Peh Thian Hui
Robson Tay Teik Chai
Chua Ser Lien
and
Tan Ping Koon
Chong Keng Chye
Lim Poh Lye
and
Tony Koh Zhan Quan
The three perpetrators of the
murder of Jagagevan Jayaram
Dave Teo Ming and Ong Boon Jun
Four of the five main perpetrators behind the murder of a lorry driver
Wan Cheon Kem
Madhuri Jaya Chandra Reddy
A gang leader responsible for the death of
Darren Ng Wei Jie
Gunasegaran Ramasamy
Azuar Ahamad
A supermarket sales executive charged with kidnapping
Ng Lye Poh
Three of the five people involved in the
St James Power Station murder
Two accomplices of logistics mover and suspected fugitive
Mohamed Taufik Zahar
Loh Suan Lit
Jackson Lim Hou Peng
Zaini Jamari, convicted of abusing
Mohamad Daniel Mohamad Nasser
Muhammad Iskandar bin Sa'at
Syed Maffi Hasan
Three of the seven suspects involved in the
2019 Orchard Towers murder
Ridzuan Mega Abdul Rahman
Pua Hak Chuan
Muhammad Salihin Ismail
Mohamed Aliff Mohamed Yusoff
Surajsrikan Diwakar Mani Tripathi
Mohamad Fazli Selamat
A man convicted in the
Ayeesha child abuse case
Heng Boon Chai
Wong Shi Xiang, convicted of the 2020 abuse and
killing of Megan Khung
Comparison of judicial caning in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore
[
edit
]
Judicial caning is also used as a form of legal punishment for criminal offences in two of Singapore's neighbouring countries, Brunei and Malaysia. There are some differences across the three countries.
[
62
]
Brunei
Malaysia
Singapore
Sharia caning
In practice
Not in practice
Juveniles
Local courts may order the caning of boys below the age of 16. Juveniles are punished "in the way of school discipline" with their clothes on.
Only the
High Court
may order the caning of boys below the age of 16.
Age limit
Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning.
Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning. However, the law was amended in 2006 such that men convicted of sex offences may still be sentenced to caning even if they are above the age of 50. In 2008, a 56-year-old man was sentenced to 57 years jail and 12 strokes of the cane for rape.
[
63
]
Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning.
Maximum no. of strokes per trial
24 strokes for adults; 18 strokes for juveniles
24 strokes for adults; 10 strokes for juveniles
Terminology
The official term is
whipping
in accordance with traditional British legislative terminology.
The official term is
whipping
in accordance with traditional British legislative terminology. Informally, the term
caning
, as well as
strokes of the cane
and
strokes of the rotan
, is used.
In both legislation and press reports, the term used is
caning
.
Dimensions of the cane
About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and no more than 1.27 cm (0.5 in) in diameter
About 1.09 m (3.6 ft) long and no more than 1.25 cm (0.49 in) in diameter
About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and no more than 1.27 cm (0.5 in) in diameter
Type of cane
The same type of rattan cane is used on all offenders regardless of the offence committed.
Two types of rattan canes are used: The smaller one is for white-collar offenders while the larger one is for other offenders.
The same type of rattan cane is used on all offenders regardless of the offence committed.
Modus operandi
The offender is tied to a wooden frame in a bent-over position with his feet together. He has protective padding secured around his lower back to protect the kidney and lower spine area from strokes that land off-target.
The offender stands upright at an A-shaped wooden frame with his feet apart and hands tied above his head. He has a special protective "shield" tied around his lower body to cover the lower back and upper thighs while leaving the buttocks exposed.
The offender is tied to the trestle in a bent-over position with his feet together. He has protective padding secured around his lower back to protect the kidney and lower spine area from strokes that land off-target.
Male convicts who are not sentenced to caning by the courts may be caned if they commit aggravated or serious offences in prison while serving their sentences. This type of caning is carried out in the same way as judicial caning ordered by the courts.
A prison superintendent may order an inmate to receive up to 12 strokes of the cane for aggravated offences that have serious implications for institutional order and discipline.
[
11
]
Such offences include engaging in gang activities, mutiny, attempting to escape, destruction of prison property, and assaulting prison staff or fellow inmates.
[
64
]
Upon receiving a report of an offence, the prison provost officers will conduct an investigation to collect and review evidence. After that, the accused inmate is given an opportunity to hear the charge and evidence against him and present his defence before a superintendent. The case will also be reviewed by an independent committee appointed by the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
, comprising reputable members of the public and including at least one legally-trained member.
[
65
]
[
66
]
After that, the Commissioner of Prisons will review the case and confirm the punishment imposed or vary it accordingly. Depending on the circumstances, the case may be referred to a
visiting justice
, who has the authority to order an inmate to be caned.
[
64
]
[
67
]
In 2021, the MHA revealed that from 2011 to 2020, the
Singapore Prison Service
administered 2,875 instances of prison caning to 2,149 inmates for committing aggravated or major offences in prison. The median number of strokes was three and the most common offences involved aggravated violence against other inmates and violence against prison staff. No cases were referred to visiting justices during that period.
[
67
]
In the
Singapore Armed Forces
(SAF), a subordinate military court, or the officer in charge of the SAF Detention Barracks, may sentence a serviceman to a maximum of 24 strokes of the cane
[
68
]
for committing certain military offences or for committing aggravated offences while being detained in the Detention Barracks.
[
69
]
In all cases, the caning sentence must be approved by the Armed Forces Council before it can be administered.
[
70
]
The minimum age for a serviceman to be sentenced to caning is 16 (now
16
+
1
⁄
2
de facto
, since entry into the SAF is restricted to those above that age).
[
71
]
This form of caning was originally intended primarily for use on recalcitrant teenage conscripts serving
full-time National Service
in the SAF.
[
72
]
Military caning is less severe than its civilian counterpart, and is designed not to cause undue bleeding or to leave permanent scars. The offender must be certified by a medical officer to be in a fit condition of health to undergo the punishment
[
73
]
and shall wear "protective clothing" as prescribed.
[
74
]
The punishment is administered on the buttocks, which are covered by a "protective guard" to prevent cuts.
[
71
]
The cane used is no more than 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) in diameter (about half the thickness of the prison/judicial cane).
[
75
]
During the punishment, the offender is secured in a bent-over position to a trestle similar to the one used for judicial/prison canings.
[
76
]
Caning is used as a form of legal corporal punishment in government homes, remand homes and other homes for youths.
Youths aged 16 and below who have allegedly committed crimes may be placed in remand homes during the period of investigation. If convicted, they may be sent to the state-run
reformatories
, namely the Singapore Boys' Home and the Singapore Girls' Home, for up to three years. The Singapore Boys' Home has youths aged 11 through 18 who have been sent there by the courts for committing offences such as theft, robbery or rioting, or because they have been deemed to be Beyond Parental Control.
[
77
]
Youths whose parents have applied for Beyond Parental Control orders against them are placed in remand homes during the period of investigation. They may thereafter be placed in homes which also house juvenile offenders.
[
78
]
The superintendents of reformatories are allowed to impose corporal punishment, in the form of caning, on only male residents as a last resort for serious misconduct. They are required to maintain a record of the details and evidence of the offender's misconduct and their reasons for using corporal punishment as a last resort. Persons with mental or physical disability are exempted from such punishment. Solitary confinement is also permitted for children of and above 12 years of age, except in remand homes.
[
79
]
Caning is administered in private by the superintendent in the presence of a staff member, or by a staff member authorised by the superintendent in the presence of another staff member. A maximum of ten strokes may be inflicted on either the palm of the hand or the buttocks over clothing.
[
80
]
In the Singapore Boys' Home, boys are routinely caned on the buttocks for serious offences such as fighting, bullying and absconding. A 2006 article in
The Straits Times
reported that there were two cases of bullying per month on average; one youth also said that he had been caned over 60 times in three years at the Singapore Boys' Home.
[
81
]
A former Singapore Boys' Home resident who received 10 strokes for absconding when he was 18 said that his buttocks took two weeks to heal sufficiently before he could sit down properly.
[
82
]
In the Singapore Girls' Home, punishments for serious offences may include solitary confinement in a windowless room. Previously, caning on the palm of the hand was allowed for female residents and had been carried out before.
[
83
]
However, the Children and Young Persons (Government Homes) Regulations 2011 now clearly prohibits corporal punishment for female residents.
[
84
]
Apart from the Singapore Boys' Home and Singapore Girls' Home, there are other juvenile institutions managed by voluntary welfare organisations, such as the Boys Town operated by the
Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel
for boys of ages 11 to 21.
[
82
]
Although these juvenile institutions are legally allowed to administer corporal punishment on male offenders in the same way as the state-run reformatories, they must obtain the management committee's authorisation before carrying it out.
[
85
]
Caning is a legal disciplinary measure in primary and secondary schools,
junior colleges
and
centralised institutes
.
[
86
]
Under Section 88 of the Education (Schools) Regulations,
[
87
]
it is permitted for male students only.
The
Ministry of Education
(MOE) states that corporal punishment is allowed for serious or repeated misconduct under the Education (Schools) Regulations, and adds that counselling and follow-up guidance should be carried out.
[
88
]
At most schools, caning comes after detention but before suspension in the hierarchy of penalties. Some schools implement a demerit points system, in which students receive mandatory caning after accumulating a certain number of demerit points for a wide range of misconduct. The possibility of caning as a corrective action is often explicitly stated in schools' student handbooks or on their websites. As of 2018, 13% of primary schools and 53% of secondary schools (excluding all-girls schools) communicated on their websites that caning may be administered to male students for serious misconduct.
[
89
]
Canings in school may be sorted into these categories:
[
89
]
Private caning: The most common form of school caning. The offending student is caned in the school's General Office in the presence of the Principal and/or Vice-Principal, together with another witness (usually the student's Form Teacher or Co-Form Teacher). His parents or guardians may be invited to the school to witness the punishment being meted out.
[
citation needed
]
Class caning: The offending student is caned in front of his class to serve as a warning for his classmates.
Public caning: The offending student is caned in front of an assembly of the entire school population to serve as a warning for potential offenders. This form of punishment is normally reserved for very serious offences and repeated offences. Certain offences that warrant a public caning include smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, drug- or gang-related activities, fighting, causing hurt to others, vandalism, arson, extortion, theft and any case involving the Police.
[
90
]
[
91
]
Others: There may be intermediate levels between a "class caning" and a "public caning", such as in front of all classes in the same year as the student.
Under MOE regulations, the punishment may be administered only by the Principal or any staff member under the Principal's express authority, usually the Vice Principal, Discipline Master, Operations Manager, or any other specially delegated member of the school's Disciplinary Committee. The offending student's parents or guardians must then be informed of the details at the earliest possible time once the punishment has been imposed. Some schools may seek parental or guardian consent before administering the punishment.
[
92
]
[
93
]
[
89
]
A maximum of three strokes
[
89
]
may be inflicted at a time, using a light
rattan
cane. The limit was previously six strokes before MOE reduced it to three strokes in 2017.
[
94
]
The student may be caned only on either the palm of the hand or the buttocks over clothing.
[
92
]
[
93
]
Although boys of any age from six to 19 may be caned, most recipients of such punishments are secondary school students aged 14 to 16 inclusive.
[
89
]
A solemn and formal ceremony, school caning is typically carried out in a manner similar to the caning punishments administered in England before school corporal punishment was banned there in 1998. Some schools tuck a protective item (e.g. book, file, rolled-up newspaper, piece of cardboard) into the student's waistband to protect his lower back in case a stroke lands off-target. The student then places his hands on a desk or chair, bends over or leans forward, and receives strokes from the rattan cane on the seat of his trousers or shorts.
[
89
]
Certain schools adopt special practices. For example, following English traditions, some schools (mainly all-boys schools) require the student to change into physical education (PE) attire for the punishment because PE shorts are apparently thinner than normal uniform trousers/shorts, even though the main purpose is probably to enhance the formality of the occasion. In some schools, if the caning is conducted in public, the student is required to make a public apology before or after receiving his punishment.
[
89
]
Although caning on the palm of the hand is rarely implemented, one notable exception is
Saint Andrew's Secondary School
, where students may be caned on the hand for committing less serious offences while a caning on the buttocks is reserved for more serious offences.
[
95
]
Based on first-hand accounts, the student typically feels moderate to acute pain for the first few minutes, depending on the number of strokes. This soon leads to a stinging sensation and general soreness around the points of impact, usually lasting for some hours; sitting down is likely to be uncomfortable. Superficial bruises and weals may appear on the buttocks and last for a few days after the punishment.
[
89
]
As the Ministry of Education does not allow any form of corporal punishment to be administered to female students, they receive alternative forms of punishment such as
detention
, Corrective Work Orders, in-house suspension, counselling or
suspension
.
[
96
]
[
97
]
[
91
]
[
98
]
[
99
]
In 2004, Ng Lee Huat, the principal of
Nan Chiau High School
, controversially stepped down after admitting to hitting a 14-year-old female student with a soft-cover book.
[
100
]
Canes sold in grocery stores, used by parents to discipline children at home
Caning is also imposed on children by their parents as punishment for offences like poor/imperfect results,
[
101
]
[
102
]
disrespect,
[
103
]
disobedience, incomplete work,
[
104
]
lying,
[
105
]
and trying to escape caning.
[
101
]
The misbehaving child is usually caned on the buttocks or palm of the hand.
[
106
]
Sometimes, the cane will miss and hit the bare thighs/calves, causing more pain.
[
107
]
The caning usually leaves the child with painful red welts
[
102
]
that will fade within days.
The most commonly used implement is a thin and light rattan cane, commonly and cheaply found (for around 50 Singapore cents) in neighbourhood provision shops.
[
108
]
There is usually higher demand when students prepare for examinations, as the cane is used more often during this time, resulting in breakages.
[
109
]
Sometimes, parents will use other implements such as the rattan handle of a feather-duster, bamboo poles, rulers, clothes hangers,
[
110
]
or even their bare hands.
[
111
]
In Singapore, not caning children is seen as being soft on them, and not instilling proper discipline. According to a survey conducted by
The Sunday Times
in January 2009, 57 percent of surveyed parents expressed the view that caning was an acceptable form of punishment, and that they had used it on their children for reasons such as stubbornness, refusal to listen and dangerous/harmful acts.
[
112
]
A newer study conducted by
YouGov
in 2019 found that nearly 80 percent of parents in Singapore had carried/carries out corporal punishment at home.
[
113
]
Parental caning is legal in Singapore, but not particularly encouraged by the authorities. Under the Children and Young Persons Act, ill-treatment of a child or young person is defined as inflicting any unnecessary physical pain, suffering or injury, any emotional harm, or any injury to a child's health or development. The person who has the custody, charge or care of the child or young person subjected to ill-treatment may be punished by a fine of up to S$8,000 or imprisonment of up to eight years, or both.
[
114
]
[
115
]
Several factors are usually considered when determining if parental corporal punishment becomes a criminal offence: the proportionality of the punishment to the offence, the child's age, as well as the frequency of the punishment. The
Ministry of Social and Family Development
's Child Protective Service will also investigate and intervene where there are serious child protection concerns, such as when parental discipline results in serious physical injury or emotional trauma to a child.
[
116
]
Politicians' opinions on caning in Singapore
[
edit
]
Judicial caning is purportedly meant to serve as a humiliating experience for offenders and as a strong deterrent to crime. In 1966, when Singapore's first
Prime Minister
,
Lee Kuan Yew
, introduced caning as a mandatory punishment for vandalism, he said in
Parliament
, "[...] if (the offender) knows he is going to get three of the best, I think he will lose a great deal of enthusiasm, because there is little glory attached to the rather humiliating experience of having to be caned."
[
117
]
In a 2004 interview with
China Central Television
, Lee explained why caning should continue in Singapore with reference to the
1994 Michael Fay incident
: "Every country has its own problems to face, we know, certain things. You put a person in a prison, it makes no difference. He will not change. Because you observe certain rules, there's enough food, enough exercise, fresh air, sunshine ... But if you cane him, and he knows he will be given six of the best on his buttocks, and it will hurt for one week that he can't sit down comfortably, he will think again."
[
118
]
Although the extensive use of judicial caning is a policy commonly associated with the ruling
People's Action Party
(PAP), the opposition parties do not oppose it because they agree on its effectiveness as a deterrent to crime.
[
119
]
Politicians from the opposition parties have voiced support for corporal punishment.
Edmund Ng
, a candidate for the
Singapore Democratic Alliance
in the
2006 general election
, said, "For criminals, caning serves as a deterrent [...] I would not change a winning formula."
[
120
]
Sylvia Lim
, a Member of Parliament from the
Workers' Party
, also said in 2007, "What are the purposes of jail, fine and caning? Caning is controversial internationally, but if one must justify why we cane offenders, it is just deserts for pain which the offender has caused to the victim, for example, hurt, injury or the threat of violence. Caning is a severe punishment, and it is always combined with jail as the offences tend to be serious and to make it easier, administratively, to arrange for the caning to take place."
[
121
]
The severity and humiliation of the punishment are widely publicised in various ways, mainly through the press but also through other means such as the education system. For example, juvenile delinquents get to watch a real-life demonstration of caning on a dummy during compulsory prison visits.
[
119
]
Singapore has come under strong international criticism for its practice of judicial caning, especially after the 1994 Michael Fay incident.
Amnesty International
condemned the practice of judicial caning in Singapore as a "cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment".
[
122
]
It is also regarded by some international observers as a violation of Article 1 in the
United Nations Convention against Torture
. However, Singapore is not signatory to the Convention.
[
123
]
Human Rights Watch
similarly referred to the practice of caning as "an inherently cruel punishment".
[
124
]
The Singaporean government has defended its stance on judicial caning and said that the punishment does not amount to torture and is conducted under strict standards and medical supervision.
[
125
]
While most Singaporeans either support or are indifferent towards the practice of judicial caning, there is a minority – including dissident
Gopalan Nair
,
[
126
]
lawyer
M Ravi
[
127
]
and businessman
Ho Kwon Ping
– who are completely or partially opposed to it.
[
128
]
A recipient of nine strokes thinks that even though it may be a nightmare the first time, an offender who has been caned before will have experienced the extent of fear of criminal punishment and so may not find it as much of a disincentive to commit repeat offences. He said, "After he knows what it's like, he will have nothing left to fear. He will know what to expect no matter how many strokes he gets – it's more of the same. No alcohol and women – apart from those two things, prison is really not that bad."
[
42
]
In 2022, President
Halimah Yacob
expressed the need to review the age limit for caning in the case of sex offenders, in light of several high-profile rape cases (especially those involving fathers raping their daughters), where most of the offenders aged 50 and above who escaped caning despite being harshly sentenced to lengthy periods of incarceration by the courts, including a 55-year-old cleaner who was jailed for 33 years after getting convicted of raping his three daughters over a 14-year period, a 54-year-old tutor and paedophile who was sentenced to 45 years' jail for the rape of eight children (including those with learning difficulties) and a fifty-year old man who got 23 years' jail for raping his eleven-year-old daughter over three months due to a Fengshui master's advice.
[
129
]
[
130
]
While some expressed concerns over the deterrence effect of caning towards rapists aged more than fifty, most lawyers also supported the need for a review of the age limit for caning in relation to serious crimes like rape, as they felt that the suitability to cane should be decided based on health rather than age, and it may pave way to greater consistency behind sentencing. Among them, Criminal lawyer Johannes Hadi called the age limit of 50 "an arbitrary line in the sand", and questioned the exemption of females from caning based on sexist ideas about the physical difference between men and women. Another lawyer, Law Society of Singapore president Adrian Tan, commented about the need to cane rapists regardless of their age, "If you're fit enough to rape, you should be fit enough to be caned."
[
131
]
Criminal lawyer Sunil Sudheesan also stated that there should also be measures to ensure a 50-year-old prisoner's suitability to cane based on his health to avoid any sudden health issues from arising during the caning process.
[
132
]
Critics
[
133
]
, such as the
United Nations
, argue that since Singapore is signatory to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child
, it is obliged to "take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse". However, the Singaporean government stated that it considers "the judicious application of corporal punishment in the best interest of the child."
[
134
]
As Singapore evolves, some citizens may perceive that schools are refraining from using corporal punishment due to their fears of a strong backlash from parents.
[
135
]
Educators, when interviewed, say that they are cognisant of Singapore's changing landscape, both in terms of the family structure as well as the influence of social media, in the reduction of corporal punishment in schools. They note that understanding and accepting such punishment is essential to the effectiveness of caning as a deterrent to misconduct.
[
136
]
According to a Singaporean legal advice website, as long as schools administer corporal punishment according to MOE guidelines, parents may not take legal action against the school as they are not direct employers of the school.
[
137
]
Prison Me? No Way!
, a 15-minute video commissioned by Singapore's National Crime Prevention Council to deter teenagers from crime. The video, released in 1998 and filmed in
Changi Prison
and Changi Reformative Training Centre, shows life in prison from the perspectives of two young offenders and includes a reenactment of a judicial caning.
[
138
]
The Homecoming
,
[
139
]
a 2007 Singaporean television series produced by
MediaCorp
. In the drama, four men were convicted of arson in their youth and sentenced to imprisonment and three strokes of caning each. One of them received one more stroke, supposedly for being the mastermind. The caning scene is featured briefly in flashbacks.
Ilo Ilo
, a 2013 Singaporean family film directed by
Anthony Chen
. In one scene, the main character Jiale (Koh Jia Ler) receives a public caning in school for fighting with his classmate in the washroom.
[
140
]
Rotan
, a 2017 Singaporean short film shown at the Singapore International Film Festival 2017 and directed by Hamzah Fansuri. The film is about a father, who is also the discipline master at his son's school, having to uphold his own principles and punish his rebellious son for breaking the school rules.
[
141
]
The Caning of Michael Fay: The Inside Story by a Singaporean
(1994),
[
142
]
a documentary book by
Gopal Baratham
published in the wake of the controversial caning of
Michael P. Fay
. It concentrates on the personal aspects, the punishment and the sociology of caning in Singapore. The book includes some descriptions of caning and photographs of its results, as well as two personal interviews with men who had been caned before.
The Flogging of Singapore: The Michael Fay Affair
(1994) by Asad Latif.
[
143
]
Caning
Caning in Brunei
Caning in Malaysia
Corporal punishment in Taiwan
Judicial corporal punishment
School corporal punishment
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A clip of a staged reconstruction of a caning from a Singapore government video "Prison Me No Way" |
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## Contents
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- [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore)
- [1 Judicial caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Judicial_caning)
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- [1\.1 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#History)
- [1\.2 Legal basis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Legal_basis)
- [1\.2.1 Exemptions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Exemptions)
- [1\.3 Offences punishable by caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Offences_punishable_by_caning)
- [1\.4 Statistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Statistics)
- [1\.5 Caning officers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Caning_officers)
- [1\.6 The cane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#The_cane)
- [1\.7 Administration procedure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Administration_procedure)
- [1\.8 Effects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Effects)
- [1\.9 Recovery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Recovery)
- [1\.10 Notable cases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Notable_cases)
- [1\.10.1 Foreigners](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Foreigners)
- [1\.10.2 Singaporeans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Singaporeans)
- [1\.11 Comparison of judicial caning in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Comparison_of_judicial_caning_in_Brunei,_Malaysia_and_Singapore)
- [2 Prison caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Prison_caning)
- [3 Military caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Military_caning)
- [4 Reformatory caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Reformatory_caning)
- [5 School caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#School_caning)
Toggle School caning subsection
- [5\.1 Female students](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Female_students)
- [6 Domestic caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Domestic_caning)
- [7 Politicians' opinions on caning in Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Politicians'_opinions_on_caning_in_Singapore)
Toggle Politicians' opinions on caning in Singapore subsection
- [7\.1 Judicial caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Judicial_caning_2)
- [7\.2 School caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#School_caning_2)
- [8 In arts and media](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#In_arts_and_media)
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- [8\.1 Media](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Media)
- [8\.2 Literature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Literature)
- [9 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#See_also)
- [10 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#References)
- [11 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#External_links)
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# Caning in Singapore
15 languages
- [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A0stig_amb_vara_a_Singapur "Càstig amb vara a Singapur – Catalan")
- [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vergado_en_Singapuro "Vergado en Singapuro – Esperanto")
- [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castigo_con_vara_en_Singapur "Castigo con vara en Singapur – Spanish")
- [Euskara](https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makilatze_zigorra_Singapurren "Makilatze zigorra Singapurren – Basque")
- [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%86%D9%88%D8%A8_%D8%B2%D9%86%DB%8C_%D8%AF%D8%B1_%D8%B3%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%BE%D9%88%D8%B1 "چوب زنی در سنگاپور – Persian")
- [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepitysrangaistus_Singaporessa "Kepitysrangaistus Singaporessa – Finnish")
- [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_de_canne_%C3%A0_Singapour "Coup de canne à Singapour – French")
- [Hausa](https://ha.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hukuncin_Caning_a_Singapore "Hukuncin Caning a Singapore – Hausa")
- [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hukuman_pukulan_rotan_di_Singapura "Hukuman pukulan rotan di Singapura – Indonesian")
- [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fustigazione_a_Singapore "Fustigazione a Singapore – Italian")
- [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hukuman_sebat_di_Singapura "Hukuman sebat di Singapura – Malay")
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- [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%96%B0%E5%8A%A0%E5%9D%A1%E9%9E%AD%E5%88%91 "新加坡鞭刑 – Chinese")
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Corporal punishment
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| Part of [a series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Corporal_punishments "Category:Corporal punishments") on |
| [Corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment "Corporal punishment") |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:L%27Ex%C3%A9cution_de_la_Punition_de_Fouet_by_Jean-Baptiste_Debret.jpg) |
| By place |
| [Domestic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment_in_the_home "Corporal punishment in the home") [Judicial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment "Judicial corporal punishment") [School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment_in_schools "Corporal punishment in schools") |
| By implementation |
| [Amputation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amputation "Amputation") [Belting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belting_\(beating\) "Belting (beating)") [Birching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birching "Birching") [Branding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Branding "Human Branding") [Caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning "Caning") [Cat o' nine tails](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_o%27_nine_tails "Cat o' nine tails") [Flagellation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagellation "Flagellation") [Foot whipping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_whipping "Foot whipping") [Knout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knout "Knout") [Paddle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_\(spanking\) "Paddle (spanking)") [Scourge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge "Scourge") [Sjambok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sjambok "Sjambok") [Slippering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippering "Slippering") [Spanking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanking "Spanking") [Strapping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strapping_\(punishment\) "Strapping (punishment)") [Switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch_\(corporal_punishment\) "Switch (corporal punishment)") [Tawse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawse "Tawse") [Riding crop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_\(implement\) "Crop (implement)") [Whip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whip "Whip") |
| By country |
| [Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment_in_Afghanistan "Judicial corporal punishment in Afghanistan") [Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Brunei "Caning in Brunei") [Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Indonesia "Caning in Indonesia") [Iran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Iran "Human rights in Iran") [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Malaysia "Caning in Malaysia") [Qatar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Qatar "Human rights in Qatar") [Singapore]() [Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment_in_Taiwan "Corporal punishment in Taiwan") [United Arab Emirates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates "Judicial corporal punishment in the United Arab Emirates") [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment_in_the_United_States "Corporal punishment in the United States") |
| Court cases |
| *[CFCYL v. Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Foundation_for_Children,_Youth_and_the_Law_v_Canada_\(AG\) "Canadian Foundation for Children, Youth and the Law v Canada (AG)")* *[Ingraham v. Wright](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingraham_v._Wright "Ingraham v. Wright")* *[S v Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_v_Williams_\(1995\) "S v Williams (1995)")* *[Tyrer v. the United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrer_v._the_United_Kingdom "Tyrer v. the United Kingdom")* *[Jackson v. Bishop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_v._Bishop "Jackson v. Bishop")* |
| Politics |
| [Campaigns against corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campaigns_against_corporal_punishment "Campaigns against corporal punishment") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Corporal_punishment "Template:Corporal punishment") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Corporal_punishment "Template talk:Corporal punishment") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Corporal_punishment "Special:EditPage/Template:Corporal punishment") |
[Caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning "Caning") is a widely used form of [corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment "Corporal punishment") in [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore"). It can be divided into several contexts: judicial, prison, reformatory, military, school, and domestic. These practices of caning as punishment were introduced during the period of [British colonial rule in Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_in_the_Straits_Settlements "Singapore in the Straits Settlements").[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1) Similar forms of corporal punishment are also used in some other former British colonies, including two of Singapore's neighbouring countries: [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Malaysia "Caning in Malaysia") and [Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Brunei "Caning in Brunei").
Of these, [judicial caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment "Judicial corporal punishment") is the most severe. It is applicable to only adult male convicts under the age of 50 for a wide range of offences under the [Criminal Procedure Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law_of_Singapore "Criminal law of Singapore"), up to a maximum of 24 strokes per trial. Always ordered in addition to a prison sentence, it is inflicted by [specially trained prison staff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Caning_officers) using a long and thick [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan") cane on the prisoner's buttocks in an enclosed area in the prison. Male criminals who were not sentenced to caning earlier in a court of law may also be punished by caning in the same way if they commit aggravated offences while serving time in prison. Similarly, male juvenile delinquents in [reformatories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformatory "Reformatory") may be punished by caning for serious offences.
Servicemen in the [Singapore Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Armed_Forces "Singapore Armed Forces") (SAF) who commit serious military offences may be sentenced by a military court to a less severe form of caning in the SAF Detention Barracks, which houses military offenders.
In a much milder form, caning is used as a disciplinary measure in schools. Boys aged between 6 and 19 may be given up to three strokes with a light rattan cane on the buttocks over clothing or the palm of the hand as a punishment for serious misconduct, often as a last resort. As the law does not allow schools to cane girls, they receive alternative forms of punishment such as detention or suspension.
A smaller cane or other implement is often used by some parents to punish their children. This practice is allowed in Singapore but not encouraged by the government. The Singaporean government has stated that in its opinion, the [Convention on the Rights of the Child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child "Convention on the Rights of the Child") does not prohibit "the judicious application of corporal punishment in the [best interest of the child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_interests "Best interests")."[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2)
## Judicial caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=1 "Edit section: Judicial caning")\]
See also: [Judicial corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment "Judicial corporal punishment")
### History
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: History")\]
Caning, as a form of legally sanctioned corporal punishment for convicted criminals, was first introduced to [Malaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Malaya "British Malaya") and Singapore during the [period of British colonial rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straits_Settlements "Straits Settlements") in the 19th century. It was formally codified under the *Straits Settlements Penal Code Ordinance IV* in 1871.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1)
In that era, offences punishable by caning were similar to those punishable by [birching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birching "Birching") or [flogging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flogging "Flogging") (with the [cat o' nine tails](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_o%27_nine_tails "Cat o' nine tails")) in [England and Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_and_Wales "England and Wales"). They included [robbery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery "Robbery"), aggravated forms of [theft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theft "Theft"), [burglary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burglary "Burglary"), [assault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault "Assault") with the intention of [sexual abuse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abuse "Sexual abuse"), a second or subsequent conviction of [rape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape "Rape"), a second or subsequent offence relating to [prostitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution "Prostitution"), and living on or trading in prostitution.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1)
Caning remained on the statute book after Malaysia became independent from Britain in 1957, and after Singapore ceased to be part of Malaysia in 1965. Subsequent legislation has been passed by the [Parliament of Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Singapore "Parliament of Singapore") over the years to increase the minimum strokes an offender receives, and the number of crimes that may be punished with caning.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1)
### Legal basis
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=3 "Edit section: Legal basis")\]
Sections 325–332 of the [Criminal Procedure Code 2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law_of_Singapore "Criminal law of Singapore") lay down the procedures governing caning. They include the following:
- A male offender, under 50 years of age, who has been certified to be in a fit state of health by a medical officer is liable to be caned.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_331-3)
- The offender shall receive no more than 24 strokes of the cane on any one occasion, irrespective of the total number of offences committed.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_328-4) In other words, a man cannot be sentenced to more than 24 strokes of the cane in a single trial, but he may receive more than 24 strokes if the sentences are given out in separate trials.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-5) However, in the first case where a prisoner received more than 24 strokes in a single trial, armed robber Qwek Kee Chong (who served ten years in prison) was given 48 strokes of the cane on 8 April 1988 and later hospitalised for his injuries from the caning; he was later granted compensation for this error.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-6)
- If the offender is under 18, he may receive up to 10 strokes, but with a lighter cane.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_328-4)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_330-7)[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8) Boys under 16 may be sentenced to caning only by the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_of_Singapore "High Court of Singapore") and not by the [State Courts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subordinate_courts_of_Singapore "Subordinate courts of Singapore").
- Offenders [sentenced to death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_Singapore "Capital punishment in Singapore") whose sentences have not been commuted shall not be caned.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_325-9)
- The [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan") cane used shall not exceed 1.27 cm (0.50 inches) in diameter.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8)
- Caning must not be carried out in instalments.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_330-7) This is to ensure that prisoners receive their punishment in a single session and do not have to go through the process repeatedly, even if the full sentence might not have been administered for medical reasons.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11-10)
Any male convict, whether sentenced to caning or not, may also be caned in prison if he commits certain offences while serving time in prison.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Prisons_Act_section_71-11)
Singapore has not signed or ratified a number of [international human rights treaties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_human_rights_instruments "International human rights instruments") which prohibit the use of corporal punishment. These include the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Covenant_on_Civil_and_Political_Rights "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights"), the [Convention Against Torture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_Against_Torture "Convention Against Torture") and the [International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Convention_for_the_Protection_of_All_Persons_from_Enforced_Disappearance "International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-12)
#### Exemptions
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: Exemptions")\]
Under the law, women, men above the age of 50, and men [sentenced to death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_Singapore "Capital punishment in Singapore"), whose sentences have not been commuted, cannot be sentenced to caning.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_325-9)
It was not uncommon for the courts to extend, by up to 12 months,[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-13) the prison terms of offenders originally sentenced to caning but later found to be medically unfit to undergo the punishment. However, on 9 May 2017, the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_of_Singapore "High Court of Singapore") ruled that the courts should not automatically impose an additional jail term in lieu of caning unless there are reasons to do so.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-14) According to judicial indicative guidelines, in situations where the court has to extend a convict's prison term in lieu of caning, the extension will range from nine to 12 months when the case involves more than 19 strokes of the cane.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-15)
### Offences punishable by caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: Offences punishable by caning")\]
Singaporean law allows caning to be ordered for over 35 offences, including [hostage-taking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostage "Hostage")/[kidnapping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidnapping "Kidnapping"), [robbery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery "Robbery"), gang robbery with [murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder "Murder"), [rioting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riot "Riot"), scams, [causing grievous hurt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grievous_bodily_harm "Grievous bodily harm"), [drug abuse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_abuse "Drug abuse"), [vandalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandalism "Vandalism"), [extortion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extortion "Extortion"), [voyeurism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyeurism#Legal_status "Voyeurism"), [sexual abuse, molestation (outrage of modesty)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abuse "Sexual abuse"),[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-16) and [unlawful possession of weapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_possession_of_a_weapon "Criminal possession of a weapon"). Caning is also a mandatory punishment for certain offences such as [rape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape "Rape"), [drug trafficking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_drug_trade "Illegal drug trade"), [illegal moneylending](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loan_shark#Malaysia_and_Singapore "Loan shark"),[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Table_of_offences-17) and for foreigners who overstay by more than 90 days – a measure designed to deter illegal immigrants.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-18)
While most of Singapore's laws on offences punishable by caning were inherited from the British legal system through the [Indian Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Penal_Code "Indian Penal Code"), the [Vandalism Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandalism_Act_\(Singapore\) "Vandalism Act (Singapore)") was only introduced in 1966 after independence, in what has been argued by Jothie Rajah to be an attempt by the ruling [People's Action Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Action_Party "People's Action Party") (PAP) to suppress the opposition's activities in the 1960s because opposition supporters vandalised public property with anti-PAP graffiti.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Authoritarian_Rule_of_Law-19) Vandalism was originally prohibited by the Minor Offences Act, which made it punishable by a fine of up to S\$50 or a week in jail, but did not permit caning.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Authoritarian_Rule_of_Law-19) Today, the Vandalism Act imposes a mandatory caning sentence of between three and eight strokes for a conviction of vandalism. Caning is not imposed on first-time offenders who use delible substances (e.g. pencil, crayon, chalk) to commit vandalism.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-20)
Beginning in the 1990s, the higher courts have been more inclined to impose caning sentences in cases where caning is a discretionary punishment. For example, in 1993, an 18-year-old molester was initially sentenced to six months' imprisonment but he appealed against his sentence. [Chief Justice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Justice_of_Singapore "Chief Justice of Singapore") [Yong Pung How](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yong_Pung_How "Yong Pung How") not only dismissed his appeal, but also added three strokes of the cane to the sentence. This [precedent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precedent "Precedent") set by the Chief Justice became a benchmark for sentences in molestation cases, where the court is expected to sentence a molester to at least nine months' imprisonment and three strokes of the cane if the offence involves touching the victim's private parts.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed-21)
In some cases, male employees can be sentenced to caning for offences committed by the company they work for. For instance, the Dangerous Fireworks Act states that caning is mandatory for a manager or owner of a company which imports, delivers or sells dangerous fireworks. Another example is the transporting of illegal immigrants; a manager of a company who authorises or participates in such activity can be sentenced to caning.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed-21) In July 1998, police reported six cases of employers sentenced to imprisonment and caning for hiring illegal immigrants.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-22)
The [importation of chewing gum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore "Chewing gum sales ban in Singapore") is subject only to fines; it is not and has never been an offence punishable by caning.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-23)
### Statistics
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=6 "Edit section: Statistics")\]
In 1993, the number of caning sentences ordered by the courts was 3,244.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-1993_statistics-24)
By 2007, this figure had doubled to 6,404, of which about 95% were actually implemented.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2007_statistics-25) Since 2007, the number of caning sentences has experienced an overall decline, falling to 1,257 in 2016.
Caning takes place at several institutions around Singapore, most notably [Changi Prison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changi_Prison "Changi Prison"), and including the now defunct Queenstown Remand Centre, where [Michael Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay") was caned in 1994. Canings are also administered in Drug Rehabilitation Centres.
| Year | Number of sentences | Sentences carried out | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 3,244 | | [\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-1993_statistics-24) |
| 2006 | 5,984 | 95% | [\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2006_statistics-26) |
| 2007 | 6,406 | 95% | [\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2007_statistics-25) |
| 2008 | 4,078 | 98\.7% | January to September only[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2008_statistics-27) |
| 2009 | 4,228 | 99\.8% | January to November only[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2009_statistics-28) |
| 2010 | 3,170 | 98\.7% | [\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2010_statistics-29) |
| 2011 | 2,318 | 98\.9% | [\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2011_statistics-30) |
| 2012 | 2,500 | 88\.1% | [\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2012_statistics-31) |
| 2014 | 1,430 | 86% | January to September only[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2014_statistics-32) |
| 2015 | 1,382 | 81\.7% | January to October only[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2015_statistics-33) |
| 2016 | 1,257 | 78\.5% | January to October only[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2016_statistics-34) |
Most caning sentences are far below the legal limit of 24 strokes. Although sentences of between three and six strokes are much more common, they usually receive less or no coverage by the media. Normally, only the more serious cases involving heavier sentences will have a greater tendency to be reported in the press.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-35)
### Caning officers
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=7 "Edit section: Caning officers")\]
The prison officers who administer caning are carefully selected and specially trained for the job. They are generally physically fit and strongly built. Some hold high grades in martial arts even though proficiency in martial arts is not a requirement for the job.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-36) They are trained to use their entire body weight as the power behind every stroke instead of using only the strength from their arms,[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) as well as to induce as much pain as possible. They can swing the cane at a speed of up to 160 km/h (99 miles per hour)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane-38) and produce a force upon impact of at least 880 [N](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtons "Newtons").[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-39)
### The cane
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=8 "Edit section: The cane")\]
A [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan")[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-40) cane, no more than 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) in diameter[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8) and about 1.2 m (3.9 feet) in length, is used for judicial and prison canings. It is about twice as thick as the canes used in the school and military contexts. The cane is soaked in water overnight to make it supple and prevent it from splitting and embedding splinters in the wounds.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) The Prisons Department denies that the cane is soaked in [brine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brine "Brine"), but has said that it is treated with [antiseptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiseptic "Antiseptic") before use to prevent infection.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41) A lighter cane is used for juvenile offenders.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8)
### Administration procedure
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Administration procedure")\]
Caning is, in practice, always ordered in addition to a jail sentence, and not as a punishment by itself. Those who are sentenced to caning and are in the process of appealing against their sentences do not have their sentences carried out while pending the outcome of their appeals. Similarly, during the period before the convicts' deadlines of their appeal notices, caning is not carried out until the deadline expires and with the convict not making a notice of appeal.
It is administered in an enclosed area in the prison out of the view of the public and other inmates.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11-10) However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the offender, while waiting in a queue for his turn to be caned, has the chance to observe[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-potter_interview-42) or hear the screams and cries of those before him getting caned.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43) The order is determined by the number of strokes the offender is receiving, with the largest number going first.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44) A medical officer and the Superintendent of Prisons are required to be present at every caning session.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-45)
The offender is not told in advance when he will be caned; he is notified only on the day his sentence is to be carried out.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-46) Offenders often undergo a lot of psychological distress as a result of being put into such uncertainty.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane-38) On the day itself, the medical officer examines him by measuring his blood pressure and other physical conditions to check whether he is medically fit for the caning. If he is certified fit, he proceeds to receive his punishment; if he is certified unfit, he is sent back to the court for the sentence to be remitted or converted to additional time in prison. A prison officer confirms with him the number of strokes he has been sentenced to.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-47)
In practice, the offender is required to strip completely naked for the caning. Once he has removed his clothes, he is restrained in a large wooden trestle based on the British dual-purpose prison flogging frame. He stands barefooted on the trestle base and bends over a padded horizontal crossbar on one side of the trestle, with the crossbar adjusted to around his waist level. His feet are tied to a lower crossbar on the same side by restraining ankle cuffs made of leather, while his hands are secured to another horizontal crossbar on the other side by wrist cuffs of similar design; his hands can hold on to the crossbar. After he is secured to the trestle in a bent-over position at an angle of close to 90° at the hip, protective padding is tied around his lower back to protect the vulnerable kidney and lower spine area from any strokes that might land off-target.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41)[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-48) The punishment is administered on his bare buttocks[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-49) to minimise the risk of any injury to bones and organs.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11-10) He is not gagged.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41)
The caning officer positions himself beside the trestle. The Director of Prisons explained in a 1974 press conference, "Correct positioning is critically important. If he is too near the prisoner, the tip of the cane will fall beyond the buttocks and the force of the stroke will cause the unsupported tip to dip and bend the cane and thus reduce the effect of the stroke. If he is too far, the stroke will only cover part of the buttocks." Strokes are delivered at intervals of about 30 seconds.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) The caning officer is required to exert as much strength as he can muster for each stroke.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41) The offender receives all the strokes in a single caning session, not in instalments.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_330-7)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-50) According to anecdotal evidence, if the sentence involves a large number of strokes, two or more officers will take turns to cane the offender every six strokes to ensure that the later strokes are as forceful as the earlier ones.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-51)[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)
During the caning, if the medical officer certifies that the offender is not in a fit state of health to undergo the rest of the punishment, the caning must be stopped.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_331-3) The offender will then be sent back to the court for the remaining number of strokes to be remitted or converted to a prison term of no more than 12 months, in addition to the original prison term he was sentenced to.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-52)
### Effects
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=10 "Edit section: Effects")\]
Caning can cause significant physical damage, depending largely on the number of strokes inflicted. [Michael Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"), who received four strokes, said in an interview, "The skin did rip open, there was some blood. I mean, let's not exaggerate, and let's not say a few drops or that the blood was gushing out. It was in between the two. It's like a bloody nose."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-53)
A report by the [Singapore Bar Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_Society_of_Singapore "Law Society of Singapore") stated, "The blows are applied with the full force of the jailer's arm. When the rattan hits the bare buttocks, the skin disintegrates, leaving a white line and then a flow of blood."[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Effects-54)
Usually, the buttocks will be covered with blood after three strokes.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) More profuse bleeding may occur in the case of a larger number of strokes. An eyewitness described that after 24 strokes, the buttocks will be a "bloody mess".[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44)
Men who were caned have variously described the pain they experienced as "unbearable", "excruciating", "equivalent to getting hit by a lorry",[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-potter_interview-42) "having a hot iron placed on your buttocks",[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44) etc. A recipient of 10 strokes said, "The pain was beyond description. If there is a word stronger than excruciating, that should be the word to describe it".[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-55)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Descriptions-56)
Most offenders struggle violently after each of the first three strokes and then their struggles lessen as they become weaker. By the time the caning is over, those who receive more than three strokes will be in a [state of shock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_stress_reaction "Acute stress reaction"). During the caning, some offenders will pretend to faint but they have not been able to fool the medical officer, who decides whether the punishment continues or stops.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-57) Offenders often undergo a lot of psychological distress before and during the caning: They are not only afraid of the physical pain, but are also worried whether they can prevent themselves from crying out because crying means that they would "[lose face](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_\(sociological_concept\) "Face (sociological concept)")"[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) and be labelled "weak" by their fellow inmates.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44)
[Gopal Baratham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopal_Baratham "Gopal Baratham"), a Singaporean neurosurgeon and opponent of the practice, in his book *The Caning of Michael Fay: The Inside Story by a Singaporean*, criticised the American [tabloid press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabloid_press "Tabloid press") for false claims, such as that canings are public events (in fact they always take place privately inside the prison):
> Two lashers took turns to wield the bamboo cane. Blood spurted, bits of flesh flew and the prisoner screamed in pain. ... The canings drew hundreds of people, including a lot of women and everybody seemed to love it. Each time the guy got wacked \[*[sic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic "Sic")*\], the crowd would roar – like at a hockey game. They really enjoyed what they saw. (*[New York Newsday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Newsday "New York Newsday")*, 20 April 1994)[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Baratham_81-58)
### Recovery
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=11 "Edit section: Recovery")\]
After the caning, the offender is released from the trestle and receives medical treatment. Antiseptic lotion ([gentian violet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_violet "Crystal violet")) is applied on the wounds.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Treatment-59) The offender is also given painkillers and antibiotics.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)
The wounds usually take between a week and a month to heal, depending on the number of strokes received. During this time, offenders cannot sit down or lie down on their backs, and experience difficulties controlling their bowels. Bleeding from the buttocks may still occur in the days after the caning.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Healing-60) [Madasamy Ravi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M_Ravi "M Ravi"), a human rights lawyer, described the injuries of his client, Ye Ming Yuen, who received 24 strokes, as follows:
> All over his buttocks were multiple marks and deep lacerations. It was so shocking \[that\] my female paralegal who was with me almost fainted. \[...\] The wounds were so deep with blood, flesh and layers of the skin exposed. He didn't have any bandages, just a towel to put over the buttocks. He couldn't sit for too long so he was standing up.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)
Permanent scars remain after the wounds have healed.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Healing-60)
### Notable cases
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=12 "Edit section: Notable cases")\]
#### Foreigners
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=13 "Edit section: Foreigners")\]
- [Beh Meng Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beh_Meng_Chai "Beh Meng Chai")
- [Nyu Kok Meng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyu_Kok_Meng "Nyu Kok Meng")
- [Soosay Sinnappen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soosay_Sinnappen "Soosay Sinnappen")
- [Michael P. Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay")
- [Ng Theng Shuang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng_Theng_Shuang "Ng Theng Shuang")
- [Kraisak Sakha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraisak_Sakha "Kraisak Sakha")
- [Khwan-On Natthaphon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khwan-On_Natthaphon "Khwan-On Natthaphon")
- Ng Chek Siong, one of the three suspects behind the [murder of Lee Kok Cheong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Lee_Kok_Cheong "Murder of Lee Kok Cheong")
- [Galing Kujat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galing_Kujat "Galing Kujat")
- [Oliver Fricker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Fricker "Oliver Fricker")
- [Yong Vui Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yong_Vui_Kong "Yong Vui Kong")
- [Cheong Chun Yin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheong_Chun_Yin "Cheong Chun Yin")
- [Wang Wenfeng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Wenfeng_\(murderer\) "Wang Wenfeng (murderer)")
- [Tony Anak Imba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Anak_Imba "Tony Anak Imba"), [Hairee Anak Landak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairee_Anak_Landak "Hairee Anak Landak") and [Donny Anak Meluda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donny_Anak_Meluda "Donny Anak Meluda")
- [Yap Weng Wah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yap_Weng_Wah "Yap Weng Wah")
- [Gobi Avedian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobi_Avedian "Gobi Avedian")
- [David James Roach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_James_Roach "David James Roach")
- [Dominic Martin Fernandez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominic_Martin_Fernandez "Dominic Martin Fernandez")
- [Ahmad Muin Yaacob](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmad_Muin_Yaacob "Ahmad Muin Yaacob")
- [Mogan Valo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogan_Valo "Mogan Valo")
#### Singaporeans
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=14 "Edit section: Singaporeans")\]
- [Harun bin Ripin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harun_bin_Ripin "Harun bin Ripin")
- [Bala Kuppusamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bala_Kuppusamy "Bala Kuppusamy")
- Two of three Singaporean men charged with the [murder of Lee Juay Heng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Lee_Juay_Heng "Murder of Lee Juay Heng")
- [Kuppiah Saravanan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuppiah_Saravanan "Kuppiah Saravanan")
- Eight members of the [Ang Soon Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang_Soon_Tong "Ang Soon Tong")\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\]
- [Zainal Abidin Abdul Malik](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zainal_Abidin_Abdul_Malik "Zainal Abidin Abdul Malik")
- Sashi Kumar Pubalasingam, who beat and raped a 69-year-old widow and sexually assaulted two students.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-61)
- [Chua Gin Boon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chua_Gin_Boon "Chua Gin Boon")
- Three of the four youths who were charged with the murder of a 48-year-old taxi driver [Jaswant Singh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jaswant_Singh "Murder of Jaswant Singh")
- One of the two men charged with murdering lorry driver [Yeu Lam Ching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeu_Lam_Ching "Yeu Lam Ching")
- A welder and one of the two murderers responsible for the 1985 contract [murder of Nurdin Nguan Song](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Nurdin_Nguan_Song "Murder of Nurdin Nguan Song")
- [Roshdi Abdullah Altway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roshdi_Abdullah_Altway "Roshdi Abdullah Altway")
- Two men convicted for the [Oriental Hotel murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Hotel_murder "Oriental Hotel murder")
- The seven gang members charged with the [murder of Png Hock Seng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Png_Hock_Seng "Murder of Png Hock Seng")
- [Saminathan Subramaniam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saminathan_Subramaniam "Saminathan Subramaniam")
- [Mohammad Zam Abdul Rashid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Zam_Abdul_Rashid "Mohammad Zam Abdul Rashid")
- [Ng Hua Chye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng_Hua_Chye "Ng Hua Chye")
- The eight gang members of [Salakau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salakau "Salakau"), who were the perpetrators of a gang attack at [South Bridge Road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Bridge_Road "South Bridge Road")
- [Peh Thian Hui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peh_Thian_Hui "Peh Thian Hui")
- [Robson Tay Teik Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robson_Tay_Teik_Chai "Robson Tay Teik Chai")
- [Chua Ser Lien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chua_Ser_Lien "Chua Ser Lien") and [Tan Ping Koon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tan_Ping_Koon "Tan Ping Koon")
- [Chong Keng Chye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chong_Keng_Chye "Chong Keng Chye")
- [Lim Poh Lye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lim_Poh_Lye "Lim Poh Lye") and [Tony Koh Zhan Quan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Koh_Zhan_Quan "Tony Koh Zhan Quan")
- The three perpetrators of the [murder of Jagagevan Jayaram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jagagevan_Jayaram "Murder of Jagagevan Jayaram")
- [Dave Teo Ming and Ong Boon Jun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Singapore_AWOL_incident "2007 Singapore AWOL incident")
- Four of the five main perpetrators behind the murder of a lorry driver [Wan Cheon Kem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wan_Cheon_Kem "Wan Cheon Kem")
- [Madhuri Jaya Chandra Reddy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhuri_Jaya_Chandra_Reddy "Madhuri Jaya Chandra Reddy")
- A gang leader responsible for the death of [Darren Ng Wei Jie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Ng_Wei_Jie "Darren Ng Wei Jie")
- [Gunasegaran Ramasamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunasegaran_Ramasamy "Gunasegaran Ramasamy")
- [Azuar Ahamad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azuar_Ahamad "Azuar Ahamad")
- A supermarket sales executive charged with kidnapping [Ng Lye Poh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng_Lye_Poh "Ng Lye Poh")
- Three of the five people involved in the [St James Power Station murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_James_Power_Station_murder "St James Power Station murder")
- Two accomplices of logistics mover and suspected fugitive [Mohamed Taufik Zahar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Mohamed_Taufik_Zahar "Shooting of Mohamed Taufik Zahar")
- [Loh Suan Lit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loh_Suan_Lit "Loh Suan Lit")
- [Jackson Lim Hou Peng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Lim_Hou_Peng "Jackson Lim Hou Peng")
- Zaini Jamari, convicted of abusing [Mohamad Daniel Mohamad Nasser](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Mohamad_Daniel_Mohamad_Nasser "Death of Mohamad Daniel Mohamad Nasser")
- [Muhammad Iskandar bin Sa'at](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iskandar_bin_Sa%27at "Muhammad Iskandar bin Sa'at")
- [Syed Maffi Hasan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syed_Maffi_Hasan "Syed Maffi Hasan")
- Three of the seven suspects involved in the [2019 Orchard Towers murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Orchard_Towers_murder "2019 Orchard Towers murder")
- [Ridzuan Mega Abdul Rahman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridzuan_Mega_Abdul_Rahman "Ridzuan Mega Abdul Rahman")
- [Pua Hak Chuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pua_Hak_Chuan "Pua Hak Chuan")
- [Muhammad Salihin Ismail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Salihin_Ismail "Muhammad Salihin Ismail")
- [Mohamed Aliff Mohamed Yusoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Aliff_Mohamed_Yusoff "Mohamed Aliff Mohamed Yusoff")
- [Surajsrikan Diwakar Mani Tripathi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surajsrikan_Diwakar_Mani_Tripathi "Surajsrikan Diwakar Mani Tripathi")
- [Mohamad Fazli Selamat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamad_Fazli_Selamat "Mohamad Fazli Selamat")
- A man convicted in the [Ayeesha child abuse case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayeesha_child_abuse_case "Ayeesha child abuse case")
- [Heng Boon Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heng_Boon_Chai "Heng Boon Chai")
- Wong Shi Xiang, convicted of the 2020 abuse and [killing of Megan Khung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Megan_Khung "Killing of Megan Khung")
### Comparison of judicial caning in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=15 "Edit section: Comparison of judicial caning in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore")\]
See also: [Caning in Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Brunei "Caning in Brunei") and [Caning in Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Malaysia "Caning in Malaysia")
Judicial caning is also used as a form of legal punishment for criminal offences in two of Singapore's neighbouring countries, Brunei and Malaysia. There are some differences across the three countries.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Differences-62)
| | Brunei | Malaysia | Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharia caning | In practice | Not in practice | |
| Juveniles | Local courts may order the caning of boys below the age of 16. Juveniles are punished "in the way of school discipline" with their clothes on. | Only the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_of_Singapore "High Court of Singapore") may order the caning of boys below the age of 16. | |
| Age limit | Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning. | Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning. However, the law was amended in 2006 such that men convicted of sex offences may still be sentenced to caning even if they are above the age of 50. In 2008, a 56-year-old man was sentenced to 57 years jail and 12 strokes of the cane for rape.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-63) | Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning. |
| Maximum no. of strokes per trial | 24 strokes for adults; 18 strokes for juveniles | 24 strokes for adults; 10 strokes for juveniles | |
| Terminology | The official term is *whipping* in accordance with traditional British legislative terminology. | The official term is *whipping* in accordance with traditional British legislative terminology. Informally, the term *caning*, as well as *strokes of the cane* and *strokes of the rotan*, is used. | In both legislation and press reports, the term used is *caning*. |
| Dimensions of the cane | About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and no more than 1.27 cm (0.5 in) in diameter | About 1.09 m (3.6 ft) long and no more than 1.25 cm (0.49 in) in diameter | About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and no more than 1.27 cm (0.5 in) in diameter |
| Type of cane | The same type of rattan cane is used on all offenders regardless of the offence committed. | Two types of rattan canes are used: The smaller one is for white-collar offenders while the larger one is for other offenders. | The same type of rattan cane is used on all offenders regardless of the offence committed. |
| *Modus operandi* | The offender is tied to a wooden frame in a bent-over position with his feet together. He has protective padding secured around his lower back to protect the kidney and lower spine area from strokes that land off-target. | The offender stands upright at an A-shaped wooden frame with his feet apart and hands tied above his head. He has a special protective "shield" tied around his lower body to cover the lower back and upper thighs while leaving the buttocks exposed. | The offender is tied to the trestle in a bent-over position with his feet together. He has protective padding secured around his lower back to protect the kidney and lower spine area from strokes that land off-target. |
## Prison caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=16 "Edit section: Prison caning")\]
Male convicts who are not sentenced to caning by the courts may be caned if they commit aggravated or serious offences in prison while serving their sentences. This type of caning is carried out in the same way as judicial caning ordered by the courts.
A prison superintendent may order an inmate to receive up to 12 strokes of the cane for aggravated offences that have serious implications for institutional order and discipline.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Prisons_Act_section_71-11) Such offences include engaging in gang activities, mutiny, attempting to escape, destruction of prison property, and assaulting prison staff or fellow inmates.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Commit_a_serious_offence_in_prison?_You_risk_a_caning-64) Upon receiving a report of an offence, the prison provost officers will conduct an investigation to collect and review evidence. After that, the accused inmate is given an opportunity to hear the charge and evidence against him and present his defence before a superintendent. The case will also be reviewed by an independent committee appointed by the [Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Home_Affairs_\(Singapore\) "Ministry of Home Affairs (Singapore)"), comprising reputable members of the public and including at least one legally-trained member.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-65)[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-66) After that, the Commissioner of Prisons will review the case and confirm the punishment imposed or vary it accordingly. Depending on the circumstances, the case may be referred to a [visiting justice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_of_the_peace#Singapore "Justice of the peace"), who has the authority to order an inmate to be caned.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Commit_a_serious_offence_in_prison?_You_risk_a_caning-64)[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Written_Reply_to_Parliamentary_Question_2021-67)
In 2021, the MHA revealed that from 2011 to 2020, the [Singapore Prison Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Prison_Service "Singapore Prison Service") administered 2,875 instances of prison caning to 2,149 inmates for committing aggravated or major offences in prison. The median number of strokes was three and the most common offences involved aggravated violence against other inmates and violence against prison staff. No cases were referred to visiting justices during that period.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Written_Reply_to_Parliamentary_Question_2021-67)
## Military caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=17 "Edit section: Military caning")\]
In the [Singapore Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Armed_Forces "Singapore Armed Forces") (SAF), a subordinate military court, or the officer in charge of the SAF Detention Barracks, may sentence a serviceman to a maximum of 24 strokes of the cane[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-68) for committing certain military offences or for committing aggravated offences while being detained in the Detention Barracks.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-69) In all cases, the caning sentence must be approved by the Armed Forces Council before it can be administered.[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-70) The minimum age for a serviceman to be sentenced to caning is 16 (now 16\+1⁄2 *de facto*, since entry into the SAF is restricted to those above that age).[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-counsga-71) This form of caning was originally intended primarily for use on recalcitrant teenage conscripts serving [full-time National Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Singapore "Conscription in Singapore") in the SAF.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-72)
Military caning is less severe than its civilian counterpart, and is designed not to cause undue bleeding or to leave permanent scars. The offender must be certified by a medical officer to be in a fit condition of health to undergo the punishment[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-73) and shall wear "protective clothing" as prescribed.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-74) The punishment is administered on the buttocks, which are covered by a "protective guard" to prevent cuts.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-counsga-71) The cane used is no more than 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) in diameter (about half the thickness of the prison/judicial cane).[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-75) During the punishment, the offender is secured in a bent-over position to a trestle similar to the one used for judicial/prison canings.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-76)
## Reformatory caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=18 "Edit section: Reformatory caning")\]
Caning is used as a form of legal corporal punishment in government homes, remand homes and other homes for youths.
Youths aged 16 and below who have allegedly committed crimes may be placed in remand homes during the period of investigation. If convicted, they may be sent to the state-run [reformatories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformatory "Reformatory"), namely the Singapore Boys' Home and the Singapore Girls' Home, for up to three years. The Singapore Boys' Home has youths aged 11 through 18 who have been sent there by the courts for committing offences such as theft, robbery or rioting, or because they have been deemed to be Beyond Parental Control.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-77)
Youths whose parents have applied for Beyond Parental Control orders against them are placed in remand homes during the period of investigation. They may thereafter be placed in homes which also house juvenile offenders.[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-78)
The superintendents of reformatories are allowed to impose corporal punishment, in the form of caning, on only male residents as a last resort for serious misconduct. They are required to maintain a record of the details and evidence of the offender's misconduct and their reasons for using corporal punishment as a last resort. Persons with mental or physical disability are exempted from such punishment. Solitary confinement is also permitted for children of and above 12 years of age, except in remand homes.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-79)
Caning is administered in private by the superintendent in the presence of a staff member, or by a staff member authorised by the superintendent in the presence of another staff member. A maximum of ten strokes may be inflicted on either the palm of the hand or the buttocks over clothing.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-80)
In the Singapore Boys' Home, boys are routinely caned on the buttocks for serious offences such as fighting, bullying and absconding. A 2006 article in *[The Straits Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Straits_Times "The Straits Times")* reported that there were two cases of bullying per month on average; one youth also said that he had been caned over 60 times in three years at the Singapore Boys' Home.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-81) A former Singapore Boys' Home resident who received 10 strokes for absconding when he was 18 said that his buttocks took two weeks to heal sufficiently before he could sit down properly.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-ReformCP-82)
In the Singapore Girls' Home, punishments for serious offences may include solitary confinement in a windowless room. Previously, caning on the palm of the hand was allowed for female residents and had been carried out before.[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-83) However, the Children and Young Persons (Government Homes) Regulations 2011 now clearly prohibits corporal punishment for female residents.[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-84)
Apart from the Singapore Boys' Home and Singapore Girls' Home, there are other juvenile institutions managed by voluntary welfare organisations, such as the Boys Town operated by the [Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montfort_Brothers_of_St._Gabriel "Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel") for boys of ages 11 to 21.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-ReformCP-82) Although these juvenile institutions are legally allowed to administer corporal punishment on male offenders in the same way as the state-run reformatories, they must obtain the management committee's authorisation before carrying it out.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Children_and_Young_Persons_\(Licensing_of_Homes\)_Regulations_2011_section_27-85)
## School caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=19 "Edit section: School caning")\]
Caning is a legal disciplinary measure in primary and secondary schools, [junior colleges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_college_\(Singapore\) "Junior college (Singapore)") and [centralised institutes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centralised_institutes_\(Singapore\) "Centralised institutes (Singapore)").[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-86) Under Section 88 of the Education (Schools) Regulations,[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-87) it is permitted for male students only.
The [Ministry of Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Education_\(Singapore\) "Ministry of Education (Singapore)") (MOE) states that corporal punishment is allowed for serious or repeated misconduct under the Education (Schools) Regulations, and adds that counselling and follow-up guidance should be carried out.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-88) At most schools, caning comes after detention but before suspension in the hierarchy of penalties. Some schools implement a demerit points system, in which students receive mandatory caning after accumulating a certain number of demerit points for a wide range of misconduct. The possibility of caning as a corrective action is often explicitly stated in schools' student handbooks or on their websites. As of 2018, 13% of primary schools and 53% of secondary schools (excluding all-girls schools) communicated on their websites that caning may be administered to male students for serious misconduct.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
Canings in school may be sorted into these categories:[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
- Private caning: The most common form of school caning. The offending student is caned in the school's General Office in the presence of the Principal and/or Vice-Principal, together with another witness (usually the student's Form Teacher or Co-Form Teacher). His parents or guardians may be invited to the school to witness the punishment being meted out.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\]
- Class caning: The offending student is caned in front of his class to serve as a warning for his classmates.
- Public caning: The offending student is caned in front of an assembly of the entire school population to serve as a warning for potential offenders. This form of punishment is normally reserved for very serious offences and repeated offences. Certain offences that warrant a public caning include smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, drug- or gang-related activities, fighting, causing hurt to others, vandalism, arson, extortion, theft and any case involving the Police.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-90)[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-auto-91)
- Others: There may be intermediate levels between a "class caning" and a "public caning", such as in front of all classes in the same year as the student.
Under MOE regulations, the punishment may be administered only by the Principal or any staff member under the Principal's express authority, usually the Vice Principal, Discipline Master, Operations Manager, or any other specially delegated member of the school's Disciplinary Committee. The offending student's parents or guardians must then be informed of the details at the earliest possible time once the punishment has been imposed. Some schools may seek parental or guardian consent before administering the punishment.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Education_\(Schools\)_Regulations_section_88-92)[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-School_Principals'_Handbook,_Section_19-93)[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) A maximum of three strokes[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) may be inflicted at a time, using a light [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan") cane. The limit was previously six strokes before MOE reduced it to three strokes in 2017.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-94) The student may be caned only on either the palm of the hand or the buttocks over clothing.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Education_\(Schools\)_Regulations_section_88-92)[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-School_Principals'_Handbook,_Section_19-93) Although boys of any age from six to 19 may be caned, most recipients of such punishments are secondary school students aged 14 to 16 inclusive.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) A solemn and formal ceremony, school caning is typically carried out in a manner similar to the caning punishments administered in England before school corporal punishment was banned there in 1998. Some schools tuck a protective item (e.g. book, file, rolled-up newspaper, piece of cardboard) into the student's waistband to protect his lower back in case a stroke lands off-target. The student then places his hands on a desk or chair, bends over or leans forward, and receives strokes from the rattan cane on the seat of his trousers or shorts.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
Certain schools adopt special practices. For example, following English traditions, some schools (mainly all-boys schools) require the student to change into physical education (PE) attire for the punishment because PE shorts are apparently thinner than normal uniform trousers/shorts, even though the main purpose is probably to enhance the formality of the occasion. In some schools, if the caning is conducted in public, the student is required to make a public apology before or after receiving his punishment.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) Although caning on the palm of the hand is rarely implemented, one notable exception is [Saint Andrew's Secondary School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Andrew%27s_Secondary_School "Saint Andrew's Secondary School"), where students may be caned on the hand for committing less serious offences while a caning on the buttocks is reserved for more serious offences.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-95)
Based on first-hand accounts, the student typically feels moderate to acute pain for the first few minutes, depending on the number of strokes. This soon leads to a stinging sensation and general soreness around the points of impact, usually lasting for some hours; sitting down is likely to be uncomfortable. Superficial bruises and weals may appear on the buttocks and last for a few days after the punishment.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
### Female students
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=20 "Edit section: Female students")\]
As the Ministry of Education does not allow any form of corporal punishment to be administered to female students, they receive alternative forms of punishment such as [detention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_discipline#Detention "School discipline"), Corrective Work Orders, in-house suspension, counselling or [suspension](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_discipline#Suspension "School discipline").[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-96)[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-97)[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-auto-91)[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-98)[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-99)
In 2004, Ng Lee Huat, the principal of [Nan Chiau High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_Chiau_High_School "Nan Chiau High School"), controversially stepped down after admitting to hitting a 14-year-old female student with a soft-cover book.[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-100)
## Domestic caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=21 "Edit section: Domestic caning")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rattancane.jpg)
Canes sold in grocery stores, used by parents to discipline children at home
Caning is also imposed on children by their parents as punishment for offences like poor/imperfect results,[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-101)[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:1-102) disrespect,[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-103) disobedience, incomplete work,[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-104) lying,[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-105) and trying to escape caning.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-101) The misbehaving child is usually caned on the buttocks or palm of the hand.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-106) Sometimes, the cane will miss and hit the bare thighs/calves, causing more pain.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-107) The caning usually leaves the child with painful red welts[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:1-102) that will fade within days.
The most commonly used implement is a thin and light rattan cane, commonly and cheaply found (for around 50 Singapore cents) in neighbourhood provision shops.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-108) There is usually higher demand when students prepare for examinations, as the cane is used more often during this time, resulting in breakages.[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-109) Sometimes, parents will use other implements such as the rattan handle of a feather-duster, bamboo poles, rulers, clothes hangers,[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-110) or even their bare hands.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-111)
In Singapore, not caning children is seen as being soft on them, and not instilling proper discipline. According to a survey conducted by *[The Sunday Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Straits_Times "The Straits Times")* in January 2009, 57 percent of surveyed parents expressed the view that caning was an acceptable form of punishment, and that they had used it on their children for reasons such as stubbornness, refusal to listen and dangerous/harmful acts.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-112) A newer study conducted by [YouGov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouGov "YouGov") in 2019 found that nearly 80 percent of parents in Singapore had carried/carries out corporal punishment at home.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-113)
Parental caning is legal in Singapore, but not particularly encouraged by the authorities. Under the Children and Young Persons Act, ill-treatment of a child or young person is defined as inflicting any unnecessary physical pain, suffering or injury, any emotional harm, or any injury to a child's health or development. The person who has the custody, charge or care of the child or young person subjected to ill-treatment may be punished by a fine of up to S\$8,000 or imprisonment of up to eight years, or both.[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-114)[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-115) Several factors are usually considered when determining if parental corporal punishment becomes a criminal offence: the proportionality of the punishment to the offence, the child's age, as well as the frequency of the punishment. The [Ministry of Social and Family Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Social_and_Family_Development "Ministry of Social and Family Development")'s Child Protective Service will also investigate and intervene where there are serious child protection concerns, such as when parental discipline results in serious physical injury or emotional trauma to a child.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-116)
## Politicians' opinions on caning in Singapore
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=22 "Edit section: Politicians' opinions on caning in Singapore")\]
### Judicial caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=23 "Edit section: Judicial caning")\]
See also: [Lee Kuan Yew § Corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew#Corporal_punishment "Lee Kuan Yew")
Judicial caning is purportedly meant to serve as a humiliating experience for offenders and as a strong deterrent to crime. In 1966, when Singapore's first [Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Singapore "Prime Minister of Singapore"), [Lee Kuan Yew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew "Lee Kuan Yew"), introduced caning as a mandatory punishment for vandalism, he said in [Parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Singapore "Parliament of Singapore"), "\[...\] if (the offender) knows he is going to get three of the best, I think he will lose a great deal of enthusiasm, because there is little glory attached to the rather humiliating experience of having to be caned."[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-117)
In a 2004 interview with [China Central Television](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Central_Television "China Central Television"), Lee explained why caning should continue in Singapore with reference to the [1994 Michael Fay incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"): "Every country has its own problems to face, we know, certain things. You put a person in a prison, it makes no difference. He will not change. Because you observe certain rules, there's enough food, enough exercise, fresh air, sunshine ... But if you cane him, and he knows he will be given six of the best on his buttocks, and it will hurt for one week that he can't sit down comfortably, he will think again."[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-118)
Although the extensive use of judicial caning is a policy commonly associated with the ruling [People's Action Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Action_Party "People's Action Party") (PAP), the opposition parties do not oppose it because they agree on its effectiveness as a deterrent to crime.[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Humiliation_and_deterrence-119) Politicians from the opposition parties have voiced support for corporal punishment. [Edmund Ng](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edmund_Ng_Say_Eng&action=edit&redlink=1 "Edmund Ng Say Eng (page does not exist)"), a candidate for the [Singapore Democratic Alliance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Democratic_Alliance "Singapore Democratic Alliance") in the [2006 general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singaporean_general_election,_2006 "Singaporean general election, 2006"), said, "For criminals, caning serves as a deterrent \[...\] I would not change a winning formula."[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-120) [Sylvia Lim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Lim "Sylvia Lim"), a Member of Parliament from the [Workers' Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workers%27_Party_\(Singapore\) "Workers' Party (Singapore)"), also said in 2007, "What are the purposes of jail, fine and caning? Caning is controversial internationally, but if one must justify why we cane offenders, it is just deserts for pain which the offender has caused to the victim, for example, hurt, injury or the threat of violence. Caning is a severe punishment, and it is always combined with jail as the offences tend to be serious and to make it easier, administratively, to arrange for the caning to take place."[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-121)
The severity and humiliation of the punishment are widely publicised in various ways, mainly through the press but also through other means such as the education system. For example, juvenile delinquents get to watch a real-life demonstration of caning on a dummy during compulsory prison visits.[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Humiliation_and_deterrence-119)
Singapore has come under strong international criticism for its practice of judicial caning, especially after the 1994 Michael Fay incident. [Amnesty International](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amnesty_International "Amnesty International") condemned the practice of judicial caning in Singapore as a "cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment".[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-122) It is also regarded by some international observers as a violation of Article 1 in the [United Nations Convention against Torture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Convention_against_Torture "United Nations Convention against Torture"). However, Singapore is not signatory to the Convention.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-123) [Human Rights Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Watch "Human Rights Watch") similarly referred to the practice of caning as "an inherently cruel punishment".[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-124)
The Singaporean government has defended its stance on judicial caning and said that the punishment does not amount to torture and is conducted under strict standards and medical supervision.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-125) While most Singaporeans either support or are indifferent towards the practice of judicial caning, there is a minority – including dissident [Gopalan Nair](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gopalan_Nair&action=edit&redlink=1 "Gopalan Nair (page does not exist)"),[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-126) lawyer [M Ravi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M_Ravi "M Ravi")[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Drug_courier's_lawyer_challenges_caning_sentence-127) and businessman [Ho Kwon Ping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Kwon_Ping "Ho Kwon Ping") – who are completely or partially opposed to it.[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-128)
A recipient of nine strokes thinks that even though it may be a nightmare the first time, an offender who has been caned before will have experienced the extent of fear of criminal punishment and so may not find it as much of a disincentive to commit repeat offences. He said, "After he knows what it's like, he will have nothing left to fear. He will know what to expect no matter how many strokes he gets – it's more of the same. No alcohol and women – apart from those two things, prison is really not that bad."[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-potter_interview-42)
In 2022, President [Halimah Yacob](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halimah_Yacob "Halimah Yacob") expressed the need to review the age limit for caning in the case of sex offenders, in light of several high-profile rape cases (especially those involving fathers raping their daughters), where most of the offenders aged 50 and above who escaped caning despite being harshly sentenced to lengthy periods of incarceration by the courts, including a 55-year-old cleaner who was jailed for 33 years after getting convicted of raping his three daughters over a 14-year period, a 54-year-old tutor and paedophile who was sentenced to 45 years' jail for the rape of eight children (including those with learning difficulties) and a fifty-year old man who got 23 years' jail for raping his eleven-year-old daughter over three months due to a Fengshui master's advice.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-129)[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-130) While some expressed concerns over the deterrence effect of caning towards rapists aged more than fifty, most lawyers also supported the need for a review of the age limit for caning in relation to serious crimes like rape, as they felt that the suitability to cane should be decided based on health rather than age, and it may pave way to greater consistency behind sentencing. Among them, Criminal lawyer Johannes Hadi called the age limit of 50 "an arbitrary line in the sand", and questioned the exemption of females from caning based on sexist ideas about the physical difference between men and women. Another lawyer, Law Society of Singapore president Adrian Tan, commented about the need to cane rapists regardless of their age, "If you're fit enough to rape, you should be fit enough to be caned."[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-131) Criminal lawyer Sunil Sudheesan also stated that there should also be measures to ensure a 50-year-old prisoner's suitability to cane based on his health to avoid any sudden health issues from arising during the caning process.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-132)
### School caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=24 "Edit section: School caning")\]
Critics [\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-133), such as the [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations "United Nations"), argue that since Singapore is signatory to the [Convention on the Rights of the Child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child "Convention on the Rights of the Child"), it is obliged to "take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse". However, the Singaporean government stated that it considers "the judicious application of corporal punishment in the best interest of the child."[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-134)
As Singapore evolves, some citizens may perceive that schools are refraining from using corporal punishment due to their fears of a strong backlash from parents.[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-135) Educators, when interviewed, say that they are cognisant of Singapore's changing landscape, both in terms of the family structure as well as the influence of social media, in the reduction of corporal punishment in schools. They note that understanding and accepting such punishment is essential to the effectiveness of caning as a deterrent to misconduct.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-136) According to a Singaporean legal advice website, as long as schools administer corporal punishment according to MOE guidelines, parents may not take legal action against the school as they are not direct employers of the school.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-137)
## In arts and media
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=25 "Edit section: In arts and media")\]
### Media
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=26 "Edit section: Media")\]
- *Prison Me? No Way\!*, a 15-minute video commissioned by Singapore's National Crime Prevention Council to deter teenagers from crime. The video, released in 1998 and filmed in [Changi Prison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changi_Prison "Changi Prison") and Changi Reformative Training Centre, shows life in prison from the perspectives of two young offenders and includes a reenactment of a judicial caning.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-138)
- *[The Homecoming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Homecoming_\(TV_series\) "The Homecoming (TV series)")*,[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-139) a 2007 Singaporean television series produced by [MediaCorp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaCorp "MediaCorp"). In the drama, four men were convicted of arson in their youth and sentenced to imprisonment and three strokes of caning each. One of them received one more stroke, supposedly for being the mastermind. The caning scene is featured briefly in flashbacks.
- *[Ilo Ilo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilo_Ilo "Ilo Ilo")*, a 2013 Singaporean family film directed by [Anthony Chen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Chen "Anthony Chen"). In one scene, the main character Jiale (Koh Jia Ler) receives a public caning in school for fighting with his classmate in the washroom.[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-140)
- *Rotan*, a 2017 Singaporean short film shown at the Singapore International Film Festival 2017 and directed by Hamzah Fansuri. The film is about a father, who is also the discipline master at his son's school, having to uphold his own principles and punish his rebellious son for breaking the school rules.[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-141)
### Literature
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=27 "Edit section: Literature")\]
- *The Caning of Michael Fay: The Inside Story by a Singaporean* (1994),[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-142) a documentary book by [Gopal Baratham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopal_Baratham "Gopal Baratham") published in the wake of the controversial caning of [Michael P. Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"). It concentrates on the personal aspects, the punishment and the sociology of caning in Singapore. The book includes some descriptions of caning and photographs of its results, as well as two personal interviews with men who had been caned before.
- *The Flogging of Singapore: The Michael Fay Affair* (1994) by Asad Latif.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-143)
## See also
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=28 "Edit section: See also")\]
- [Caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning "Caning")
- [Caning in Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Brunei "Caning in Brunei")
- [Caning in Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Malaysia "Caning in Malaysia")
- [Corporal punishment in Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment_in_Taiwan "Corporal punishment in Taiwan")
- [Judicial corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment "Judicial corporal punishment")
- [School corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_corporal_punishment "School corporal punishment")
## References
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=29 "Edit section: References")\]
1. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-3)
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#The History of Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#history). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. January 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150115052445/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#history) from the original on 15 January 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2)** [Ratification status](https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-11&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140211151110/https://treaties.un.org/pages/viewdetails.aspx?src=treaty&mtdsg_no=iv-11&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec) 11 February 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") on the [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations "United Nations") website.
3. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_331_3-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_331_3-1) Criminal Procedure Code section 331.
4. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_328_4-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_328_4-1) Criminal Procedure Code section 328.
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-5)**
Thomas, Sujin (12 December 2008). ["24-stroke caning cap to be formalised"](https://www.corpun.com/sgj00812.htm). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115413/http://www.corpun.com/sgj00812.htm) from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-6)**
Nair, Suresh (5 June 1991). "I got 48 instead of 24 strokes". *The New Paper*. Singapore.
7. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_330_7-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_330_7-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_330_7-2) Criminal Procedure Code section 330.
8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-3) Criminal Procedure Code section 329.
9. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_325_9-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_325_9-1) Criminal Procedure Code section 325(1).
10. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11_10-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11_10-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11_10-2)
["Yong Vui Kong v Public Prosecutor \[2015\] SGCA 11"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035241/http://www.singaporelaw.sg/sglaw/laws-of-singapore/case-law/free-law/court-of-appeal-judgments/15932-yong-vui-kong-v-public-prosecutor-2015-sgca-11). *SingaporeLaw.sg*. 4 March 2015. Archived from [the original](http://www.singaporelaw.sg/sglaw/laws-of-singapore/case-law/free-law/court-of-appeal-judgments/15932-yong-vui-kong-v-public-prosecutor-2015-sgca-11) on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
11. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Prisons_Act_section_71_11-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Prisons_Act_section_71_11-1) Prisons Act section 71.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-12)**
Teo Kai Xiang (12 April 2021). ["Singapore's Approach to Human Rights"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230407170842/https://www.singapore-samizdat.com/singapore-human-rights/). *Singapore Samizdat*. Archived from [the original](https://samizdat.ghost.io/singapore-human-rights/) on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-13)** Criminal Procedure Code sections 325–332.
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-14)**
Chelvan, Vanessa Paige (9 May 2017). ["Jail terms for those excused from caning should not be 'automatically' raised: High Court"](http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/jail-terms-for-those-excused-from-caning-should-not-be-8831958). *Channel NewsAsia*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170512055007/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/jail-terms-for-those-excused-from-caning-should-not-be-8831958) from the original on 12 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-15)**
Lam, Lydia (20 July 2020). ["Rapist who defecated in court gets additional jail time as he is unfit for caning"](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/rapist-who-defecated-in-court-gets-additional-jail-time-no-canin-12947140). *Channel NewsAsia*. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-16)**
Narayan, Lakshmi (24 December 2012). ["Wield the rod, stem the rot"](https://www.corpun.com/12archive/sgj01212.htm#24280). *The Asian Age*. New Delhi. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170616042501/http://www.corpun.com/12archive/sgj01212.htm) from the original on 16 June 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Table_of_offences_17-0)**
["Singapore: Judicial and prison caning: Table of offences for which caning is available"](https://www.corpun.com/sgjur2.htm). World Corporal Punishment Research. 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150123043724/http://www.corpun.com/sgjur2.htm) from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
18. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-18)** Immigration Act section 15(3b).
19. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Authoritarian_Rule_of_Law_19-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Authoritarian_Rule_of_Law_19-1)
Rajah, Jothie (April 2012). *Authoritarian Rule of Law: Legislation, Discourse and Legitimacy in Singapore*. Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[9781107634169](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781107634169 "Special:BookSources/9781107634169")
.
20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-20)** Vandalism Act, section 3.
21. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed_21-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed_21-1)
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#Offences for which caning is imposed"](https://corpun.com/singfeat.htm#offences). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160716095447/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#offences) from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-22)**
["These 6 were caned for hiring illegals"](https://corpun.com/sgju9807.htm). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. 3 July 1998. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121014083733/http://corpun.com/sgju9807.htm) from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-23)** Control of Manufacture Act sections 8–9.
24. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1993_statistics_24-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1993_statistics_24-1)
["Singapore Human Rights Practices, 1994"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100711145530/http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/democracy/1995_hrp_report/95hrp_report_eap/Singapore.html). *Electronic Research Collections*. U.S. Department of State. February 1995. Archived from [the original](http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/democracy/1995_hrp_report/95hrp_report_eap/Singapore.html) on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
25. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2007_statistics_25-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2007_statistics_25-1)
["Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100537.htm). U.S. Department of State. 11 March 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2006_statistics_26-0)**
["Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100537.htm). U.S. Department of State. 6 March 2007. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2008_statistics_27-0)**
["2008 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119056.htm). U.S. Department of State. 25 February 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2009_statistics_28-0)**
["2009 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/eap/136008.htm). U.S. Department of State. 11 March 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2010_statistics_29-0)**
["2010 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/eap/154401.htm). U.S. Department of State. 8 April 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2011_statistics_30-0)**
["2011 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2011/eap/186306.htm). U.S. Department of State. 24 May 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2012_statistics_31-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2012humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204236#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2014_statistics_32-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2014humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2015_statistics_33-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015: Singapore"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170527014139/https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2015humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Archived from [the original](https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2015humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper) on 27 May 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2016_statistics_34-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
35. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-35)**
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#How many strokes are given"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#howmanystrokes). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160716095447/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#howmanystrokes) from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-36)**
"How a Prisoner is Caned". *The Straits Times*. Singapore. 1 May 1994.
37. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-4)
Raman, P.M. (13 September 1974). ["Branding the Bad Hats for Life"](https://www.corpun.com/sgju7409.htm). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809182242/http://www.corpun.com/sgju7409.htm) from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
38. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane_38-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane_38-1)
Von Mirbach, Johan (5 March 2015). ["The invisible scars left by strikes of the cane"](http://www.dw.com/en/the-invisible-scars-left-by-strikes-of-the-cane/a-18298970). *Deutsche Welle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154053/http://www.dw.com/en/the-invisible-scars-left-by-strikes-of-the-cane/a-18298970) from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-39)**
["Striking fear into hearts of most hardened criminals"](https://www.corpun.com/myj00405.htm#13421). *New Straits Times*. Kuala Lumpur. 27 May 2004. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180129165100/http://www.corpun.com/myj00405.htm#13421) from the original on 29 January 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-40)** Prisons Regulations section 139(5).
41. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-3)
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#Procedure in Detail"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#procedure). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150115052445/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#procedure) from the original on 15 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
42. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-potter_interview_42-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-potter_interview_42-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-potter_interview_42-2)
Tan, Jeanette (6 July 2018). ["S'porean gang leader served 10 years' jail, got 9 strokes of cane, & now has own pottery exhibition"](https://mothership.sg/2018/07/kim-whye-kee-potter-interview/). *Mothership*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180713231817/https://mothership.sg/2018/07/kim-whye-kee-potter-interview/) from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
43. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-4)
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44. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-3)
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49. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-49)** Prisons Regulations section 139(6).
50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-50)** Prisons Regulations section 139(3).
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60. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Healing_60-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Healing_60-1)
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64. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Commit_a_serious_offence_in_prison?_You_risk_a_caning_64-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Commit_a_serious_offence_in_prison?_You_risk_a_caning_64-1)
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67. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Written_Reply_to_Parliamentary_Question_2021_67-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Written_Reply_to_Parliamentary_Question_2021_67-1)
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68. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-68)** Singapore Armed Forces Act section 125(2).
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73. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-73)** Singapore Armed Forces Act section 125(5).
74. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-74)** Singapore Armed Forces Act section 125(6).
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79. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-79)** Children and Young Persons (Government Homes) Regulations 2011 (Cap 38, Reg 22-24, 2001 Rev Ed Sing), reg 22-24; Children and Young Persons (Licensing of Homes) Regulations 2011 (Cap 38, Reg 25-27, 2001 Rev Ed Sing), reg 25-27; Children and Young Persons (Remand Homes) Regulations 2001 (Cap 38, Reg 20-21, 1993 Rev Ed Sing), reg 20-21.
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82. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-ReformCP_82-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-ReformCP_82-1)
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84. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-84)** Children and Young Persons (Government Homes) Regulations 2011 (Cap 38, Reg 22-24, 2001 Rev Ed Sing), reg 24(6).
85. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Children_and_Young_Persons_\(Licensing_of_Homes\)_Regulations_2011_section_27_85-0)** Children and Young Persons (Licensing of Homes) Regulations 2011 section 27.
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92. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Education_\(Schools\)_Regulations_section_88_92-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Education_\(Schools\)_Regulations_section_88_92-1) Education (Schools) Regulations section 88.
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108. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-108)**
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109. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-109)**
["Kids say: What works for them"](https://www.corpun.com/sgdm9904.htm). *The Sunday Times*. Singapore. 11 April 1999. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128114644/http://www.corpun.com/sgdm9904.htm) from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
110. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-110)**
Hun, Boon (26 May 2017). ["S'pore Mother Filmed Caning Daughter in Public Apologises, Says She'll Go Counselling"](https://goodyfeed.com/spore-mother-filmed-caning-daughter-public-apologises-says-shell-go-counselling/). *Goody Feed*. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
111. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-111)**
["Punishment or abuse? Video of Singaporean man slapping kneeling girl in public goes viral"](https://www.nst.com.my/world/2018/11/430087/punishment-or-abuse-video-singaporean-man-slapping-kneeling-girl-public-goes). *New Straits Times*. Kuala Lumpur. 11 November 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
112. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-112)**
Sudderuddin, Shuli (13 January 2009). ["To cane or not to cane..."](http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090113-114279.html) *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113254/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090113-114279.html) from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
113. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-113)**
Teng, Amelia (30 July 2019). ["Most parents here don't spare rod on kids at home: Study"](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/most-parents-here-dont-spare-rod-on-kids-at-home-study). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
114. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-114)** Children and Young Persons Act section 5.
115. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-115)**
Lam, Lydia (6 December 2018). ["Jail for father who beat 9-year-old son with hanger over homework"](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/jail-father-who-beat-9-year-old-son-hanger-over-homework-11003830). *Channel News Asia*. Singapore. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
116. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-116)**
Goh, Chiew Tong (22 December 2020). ["When caning of children becomes abuse: Lawyers explain the legal parameters"](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/caning-children-abuse-parents-court-lawyers-legal-parameters-13023810). CNA. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
117. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-117)** *Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report* (26 August 1966) vol 20 at cols 291–305.
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119. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Humiliation_and_deterrence_119-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Humiliation_and_deterrence_119-1)
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#Humiliation and deterrence"](https://corpun.com/singfeat.htm#humiliation). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160716095447/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#humiliation) from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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"We posed the same questions to two Singapore Democratic Alliance candidates". *The New Paper*. Singapore. 12 April 2006.
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122. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-122)**
["Singapore – Amnesty International Report 2008"](https://www.amnesty.org/en/region/singapore/report-2008). *Amnesty International*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150217184324/http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/singapore/report-2008) from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
123. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-123)**
["Republic of Singapore Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review"](http://www.ihra.net/files/2010/11/25/IHRA_Singapore_UPR_submission_2010.pdf) (PDF). *International Harm Reduction Association*. 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033330/http://www.ihra.net/files/2010/11/25/IHRA_Singapore_UPR_submission_2010.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
124. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-124)**
["World Report 2014: Singapore \#Criminal Justice System"](https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2014/country-chapters/singapore?page=2). *Human Rights Watch*. 21 January 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128114427/http://www.hrw.org/world-report/2014/country-chapters/singapore?page=2) from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
125. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-125)**
Parameswaran, Prashanth (10 March 2015). ["Singapore Defends Caning"](https://thediplomat.com/2015/03/singapore-defends-caning/). *The Diplomat*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022742/https://thediplomat.com/2015/03/singapore-defends-caning/) from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
126. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-126)**
Nair, Gopalan (12 August 2014). ["Singapore orders brutal beating (caning) of anti-government graffiti artist"](http://singaporedissident.blogspot.sg/2014/08/singapore-orders-brutal-beating-caning.html). *Singapore Dissident*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160916083957/http://singaporedissident.blogspot.sg/2014/08/singapore-orders-brutal-beating-caning.html) from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
127. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Drug_courier's_lawyer_challenges_caning_sentence_127-0)**
Lum, Selina (23 August 2014). ["Drug courier's lawyer challenges caning sentence"](https://corpun.com/14archive/sgj01408.htm#25561). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150711134241/http://corpun.com/14archive/sgj01408.htm) from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
128. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-128)**
[Ho, Kwon Ping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Kwon_Ping "Ho Kwon Ping") (6 February 2015). ["The next 50 years of Singapore's security and how NS, ISA and caning need to change"](https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/the-next-50-years-of-singapores-security-and-how-ns-isa-and-caning-need-to-change). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160923095520/http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/the-next-50-years-of-singapores-security-and-how-ns-isa-and-caning-need-to-change) from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
129. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-129)**
Iau, Jean (19 December 2022). ["President Halimah calls for review of law excluding rapists over 50 from caning: 5 worst cases"](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/president-halimah-calls-for-review-of-law-excluding-rapists-over-50-from-caning-5-worst-cases). *The Straits Times*. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
130. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-130)**
["CNA Explains: Why are criminals above 50 spared caning and how could that change?"](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/caning-above-50-rapists-change-cna-explains-lawyers-3159491). *Channel NewsAsia*. Singapore. 22 December 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
131. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-131)**
["Timely to review age limit for caning of rapists, say some lawyers"](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/timely-to-review-age-limit-for-caning-rapists-say-some-lawyers). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. 25 December 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
132. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-132)**
Iau, Jean (19 December 2022). ["Rapists above 50 should not be spared caning, timely to review law: President Halimah"](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/time-to-review-law-allowing-rapists-over-50-to-avoid-the-cane-president-halimah-yacob). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
133. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-133)**
["Committee on the Rights of the Child reviews the report of Singapore"](https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2019/05/committee-rights-child-reviews-report-singapore). *OHCHR*. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
134. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-134)** [Ratification status](https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-11&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140211151110/https://treaties.un.org/pages/viewdetails.aspx?src=treaty&mtdsg_no=iv-11&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec) 11 February 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") on the website of the United Nations.
135. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-135)**
["Time for corporal punishment in schools?"](https://www.allsingaporestuff.com/article/time-corporal-punishment-schools). *All Singapore Stuff*.
136. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-136)**
["Six Discipline Questions Answered"](https://www.schoolbag.sg/story/six-discipline-questions-answered). *School Bag: the Education News Site*. Ministry of Education. 14 January 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
137. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-137)**
["Caning in Singapore: Judicial, School & Parental Corporal Punishment"](https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-articles/caning-singapore-judicial-school-parental-corporal-punishment/). *Singapore Legal Advice*. 22 April 2019.
138. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-138)**
Chong, Chee Kin (7 October 1998). ["Watch this and stay off crime"](https://corpun.com/sgju9810.htm). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170506071439/http://www.corpun.com/sgju9810.htm) from the original on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
139. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-139)**
Teo, Wendy (3 April 2007). ["Rayson Tan bares his bum for the first time in new Channel 8 drama, only to become... The butt of jokes"](https://www.corpun.com/sgj00704.htm#19067). *The New Paper*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150302111722/http://www.corpun.com/sgj00704.htm#19067) from the original on 2 March 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
140. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-140)**
["Anthony Chen's Ilo Ilo is as real as it gets"](https://www.herworld.com/life/entertainment/anthony-chens-ilo-ilo-real-it-gets/). *Her World Singapore*. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
141. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-141)**
["Singapore Panorama: Short Film Programme 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171116190236/http://sgiff.com/browse-all-films/singapore-panorama-short-film-programme-1/). *2017 Singapore International Film Festival*. Archived from [the original](http://sgiff.com/browse-all-films/singapore-panorama-short-film-programme-1/) on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
142. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-142)**
Baratham, Gopal (1994). *The Caning of Michael Fay*. Singapore: KRP Publications. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[981-00-5747-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/981-00-5747-4 "Special:BookSources/981-00-5747-4")
.
143. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-143)**
Latif, Asad (1994). *The Flogging of Singapore: The Michael Fay Affair*. Singapore: Times Books International. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[981-204-530-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/981-204-530-9 "Special:BookSources/981-204-530-9")
.
## External links
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- [Criminal Procedure Code](https://web.archive.org/web/20160113003815/http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?actno=REVED-68&doctitle=CRIMINAL%20PROCEDURE%20CODE%0A&date=latest&method=whole&doctitle=)
- [National Crime Prevention Council](http://www.ncpc.org.sg/index.html)
- [A clip of a staged reconstruction of a caning from a Singapore government video "Prison Me No Way"](https://corpun.com/sgjur1.htm)
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Caning in Singapore
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| Readable Markdown | [Caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning "Caning") is a widely used form of [corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment "Corporal punishment") in [Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore "Singapore"). It can be divided into several contexts: judicial, prison, reformatory, military, school, and domestic. These practices of caning as punishment were introduced during the period of [British colonial rule in Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_in_the_Straits_Settlements "Singapore in the Straits Settlements").[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1) Similar forms of corporal punishment are also used in some other former British colonies, including two of Singapore's neighbouring countries: [Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Malaysia "Caning in Malaysia") and [Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Brunei "Caning in Brunei").
Of these, [judicial caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment "Judicial corporal punishment") is the most severe. It is applicable to only adult male convicts under the age of 50 for a wide range of offences under the [Criminal Procedure Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law_of_Singapore "Criminal law of Singapore"), up to a maximum of 24 strokes per trial. Always ordered in addition to a prison sentence, it is inflicted by [specially trained prison staff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Caning_officers) using a long and thick [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan") cane on the prisoner's buttocks in an enclosed area in the prison. Male criminals who were not sentenced to caning earlier in a court of law may also be punished by caning in the same way if they commit aggravated offences while serving time in prison. Similarly, male juvenile delinquents in [reformatories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformatory "Reformatory") may be punished by caning for serious offences.
Servicemen in the [Singapore Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Armed_Forces "Singapore Armed Forces") (SAF) who commit serious military offences may be sentenced by a military court to a less severe form of caning in the SAF Detention Barracks, which houses military offenders.
In a much milder form, caning is used as a disciplinary measure in schools. Boys aged between 6 and 19 may be given up to three strokes with a light rattan cane on the buttocks over clothing or the palm of the hand as a punishment for serious misconduct, often as a last resort. As the law does not allow schools to cane girls, they receive alternative forms of punishment such as detention or suspension.
A smaller cane or other implement is often used by some parents to punish their children. This practice is allowed in Singapore but not encouraged by the government. The Singaporean government has stated that in its opinion, the [Convention on the Rights of the Child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child "Convention on the Rights of the Child") does not prohibit "the judicious application of corporal punishment in the [best interest of the child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_interests "Best interests")."[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2)
Caning, as a form of legally sanctioned corporal punishment for convicted criminals, was first introduced to [Malaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Malaya "British Malaya") and Singapore during the [period of British colonial rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straits_Settlements "Straits Settlements") in the 19th century. It was formally codified under the *Straits Settlements Penal Code Ordinance IV* in 1871.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1)
In that era, offences punishable by caning were similar to those punishable by [birching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birching "Birching") or [flogging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flogging "Flogging") (with the [cat o' nine tails](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_o%27_nine_tails "Cat o' nine tails")) in [England and Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_and_Wales "England and Wales"). They included [robbery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery "Robbery"), aggravated forms of [theft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theft "Theft"), [burglary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burglary "Burglary"), [assault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault "Assault") with the intention of [sexual abuse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abuse "Sexual abuse"), a second or subsequent conviction of [rape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape "Rape"), a second or subsequent offence relating to [prostitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution "Prostitution"), and living on or trading in prostitution.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1)
Caning remained on the statute book after Malaysia became independent from Britain in 1957, and after Singapore ceased to be part of Malaysia in 1965. Subsequent legislation has been passed by the [Parliament of Singapore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Singapore "Parliament of Singapore") over the years to increase the minimum strokes an offender receives, and the number of crimes that may be punished with caning.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_History-1)
Sections 325–332 of the [Criminal Procedure Code 2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law_of_Singapore "Criminal law of Singapore") lay down the procedures governing caning. They include the following:
- A male offender, under 50 years of age, who has been certified to be in a fit state of health by a medical officer is liable to be caned.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_331-3)
- The offender shall receive no more than 24 strokes of the cane on any one occasion, irrespective of the total number of offences committed.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_328-4) In other words, a man cannot be sentenced to more than 24 strokes of the cane in a single trial, but he may receive more than 24 strokes if the sentences are given out in separate trials.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-5) However, in the first case where a prisoner received more than 24 strokes in a single trial, armed robber Qwek Kee Chong (who served ten years in prison) was given 48 strokes of the cane on 8 April 1988 and later hospitalised for his injuries from the caning; he was later granted compensation for this error.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-6)
- If the offender is under 18, he may receive up to 10 strokes, but with a lighter cane.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_328-4)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_330-7)[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8) Boys under 16 may be sentenced to caning only by the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_of_Singapore "High Court of Singapore") and not by the [State Courts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subordinate_courts_of_Singapore "Subordinate courts of Singapore").
- Offenders [sentenced to death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_Singapore "Capital punishment in Singapore") whose sentences have not been commuted shall not be caned.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_325-9)
- The [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan") cane used shall not exceed 1.27 cm (0.50 inches) in diameter.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8)
- Caning must not be carried out in instalments.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_330-7) This is to ensure that prisoners receive their punishment in a single session and do not have to go through the process repeatedly, even if the full sentence might not have been administered for medical reasons.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11-10)
Any male convict, whether sentenced to caning or not, may also be caned in prison if he commits certain offences while serving time in prison.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Prisons_Act_section_71-11)
Singapore has not signed or ratified a number of [international human rights treaties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_human_rights_instruments "International human rights instruments") which prohibit the use of corporal punishment. These include the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Covenant_on_Civil_and_Political_Rights "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights"), the [Convention Against Torture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_Against_Torture "Convention Against Torture") and the [International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Convention_for_the_Protection_of_All_Persons_from_Enforced_Disappearance "International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance").[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-12)
Under the law, women, men above the age of 50, and men [sentenced to death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_Singapore "Capital punishment in Singapore"), whose sentences have not been commuted, cannot be sentenced to caning.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_325-9)
It was not uncommon for the courts to extend, by up to 12 months,[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-13) the prison terms of offenders originally sentenced to caning but later found to be medically unfit to undergo the punishment. However, on 9 May 2017, the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_of_Singapore "High Court of Singapore") ruled that the courts should not automatically impose an additional jail term in lieu of caning unless there are reasons to do so.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-14) According to judicial indicative guidelines, in situations where the court has to extend a convict's prison term in lieu of caning, the extension will range from nine to 12 months when the case involves more than 19 strokes of the cane.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-15)
### Offences punishable by caning
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: Offences punishable by caning")\]
Singaporean law allows caning to be ordered for over 35 offences, including [hostage-taking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostage "Hostage")/[kidnapping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidnapping "Kidnapping"), [robbery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery "Robbery"), gang robbery with [murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder "Murder"), [rioting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riot "Riot"), scams, [causing grievous hurt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grievous_bodily_harm "Grievous bodily harm"), [drug abuse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_abuse "Drug abuse"), [vandalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandalism "Vandalism"), [extortion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extortion "Extortion"), [voyeurism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyeurism#Legal_status "Voyeurism"), [sexual abuse, molestation (outrage of modesty)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abuse "Sexual abuse"),[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-16) and [unlawful possession of weapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_possession_of_a_weapon "Criminal possession of a weapon"). Caning is also a mandatory punishment for certain offences such as [rape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape "Rape"), [drug trafficking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_drug_trade "Illegal drug trade"), [illegal moneylending](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loan_shark#Malaysia_and_Singapore "Loan shark"),[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Table_of_offences-17) and for foreigners who overstay by more than 90 days – a measure designed to deter illegal immigrants.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-18)
While most of Singapore's laws on offences punishable by caning were inherited from the British legal system through the [Indian Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Penal_Code "Indian Penal Code"), the [Vandalism Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandalism_Act_\(Singapore\) "Vandalism Act (Singapore)") was only introduced in 1966 after independence, in what has been argued by Jothie Rajah to be an attempt by the ruling [People's Action Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Action_Party "People's Action Party") (PAP) to suppress the opposition's activities in the 1960s because opposition supporters vandalised public property with anti-PAP graffiti. Vandalism was originally prohibited by the Minor Offences Act, which made it punishable by a fine of up to S\$50 or a week in jail, but did not permit caning.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Authoritarian_Rule_of_Law-19) Today, the Vandalism Act imposes a mandatory caning sentence of between three and eight strokes for a conviction of vandalism. Caning is not imposed on first-time offenders who use delible substances (e.g. pencil, crayon, chalk) to commit vandalism.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-20)
Beginning in the 1990s, the higher courts have been more inclined to impose caning sentences in cases where caning is a discretionary punishment. For example, in 1993, an 18-year-old molester was initially sentenced to six months' imprisonment but he appealed against his sentence. [Chief Justice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Justice_of_Singapore "Chief Justice of Singapore") [Yong Pung How](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yong_Pung_How "Yong Pung How") not only dismissed his appeal, but also added three strokes of the cane to the sentence. This [precedent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precedent "Precedent") set by the Chief Justice became a benchmark for sentences in molestation cases, where the court is expected to sentence a molester to at least nine months' imprisonment and three strokes of the cane if the offence involves touching the victim's private parts.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed-21)
In some cases, male employees can be sentenced to caning for offences committed by the company they work for. For instance, the Dangerous Fireworks Act states that caning is mandatory for a manager or owner of a company which imports, delivers or sells dangerous fireworks. Another example is the transporting of illegal immigrants; a manager of a company who authorises or participates in such activity can be sentenced to caning.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed-21) In July 1998, police reported six cases of employers sentenced to imprisonment and caning for hiring illegal immigrants.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-22)
The [importation of chewing gum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum_sales_ban_in_Singapore "Chewing gum sales ban in Singapore") is subject only to fines; it is not and has never been an offence punishable by caning.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-23)
In 1993, the number of caning sentences ordered by the courts was 3,244.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-1993_statistics-24)
By 2007, this figure had doubled to 6,404, of which about 95% were actually implemented.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2007_statistics-25) Since 2007, the number of caning sentences has experienced an overall decline, falling to 1,257 in 2016.
Caning takes place at several institutions around Singapore, most notably [Changi Prison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changi_Prison "Changi Prison"), and including the now defunct Queenstown Remand Centre, where [Michael Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay") was caned in 1994. Canings are also administered in Drug Rehabilitation Centres.
| Year | Number of sentences | Sentences carried out | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 3,244 | | [\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-1993_statistics-24) |
| 2006 | 5,984 | 95% | [\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2006_statistics-26) |
| 2007 | 6,406 | 95% | [\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2007_statistics-25) |
| 2008 | 4,078 | 98\.7% | January to September only[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2008_statistics-27) |
| 2009 | 4,228 | 99\.8% | January to November only[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2009_statistics-28) |
| 2010 | 3,170 | 98\.7% | [\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2010_statistics-29) |
| 2011 | 2,318 | 98\.9% | [\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2011_statistics-30) |
| 2012 | 2,500 | 88\.1% | [\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2012_statistics-31) |
| 2014 | 1,430 | 86% | January to September only[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2014_statistics-32) |
| 2015 | 1,382 | 81\.7% | January to October only[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2015_statistics-33) |
| 2016 | 1,257 | 78\.5% | January to October only[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-2016_statistics-34) |
Most caning sentences are far below the legal limit of 24 strokes. Although sentences of between three and six strokes are much more common, they usually receive less or no coverage by the media. Normally, only the more serious cases involving heavier sentences will have a greater tendency to be reported in the press.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-35)
The prison officers who administer caning are carefully selected and specially trained for the job. They are generally physically fit and strongly built. Some hold high grades in martial arts even though proficiency in martial arts is not a requirement for the job.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-36) They are trained to use their entire body weight as the power behind every stroke instead of using only the strength from their arms,[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) as well as to induce as much pain as possible. They can swing the cane at a speed of up to 160 km/h (99 miles per hour)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane-38) and produce a force upon impact of at least 880 [N](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtons "Newtons").[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-39)
A [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan")[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-40) cane, no more than 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) in diameter[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8) and about 1.2 m (3.9 feet) in length, is used for judicial and prison canings. It is about twice as thick as the canes used in the school and military contexts. The cane is soaked in water overnight to make it supple and prevent it from splitting and embedding splinters in the wounds.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) The Prisons Department denies that the cane is soaked in [brine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brine "Brine"), but has said that it is treated with [antiseptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiseptic "Antiseptic") before use to prevent infection.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41) A lighter cane is used for juvenile offenders.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_329-8)
### Administration procedure
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Administration procedure")\]
Caning is, in practice, always ordered in addition to a jail sentence, and not as a punishment by itself. Those who are sentenced to caning and are in the process of appealing against their sentences do not have their sentences carried out while pending the outcome of their appeals. Similarly, during the period before the convicts' deadlines of their appeal notices, caning is not carried out until the deadline expires and with the convict not making a notice of appeal.
It is administered in an enclosed area in the prison out of the view of the public and other inmates.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11-10) However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the offender, while waiting in a queue for his turn to be caned, has the chance to observe[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-potter_interview-42) or hear the screams and cries of those before him getting caned.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43) The order is determined by the number of strokes the offender is receiving, with the largest number going first.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44) A medical officer and the Superintendent of Prisons are required to be present at every caning session.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-45)
The offender is not told in advance when he will be caned; he is notified only on the day his sentence is to be carried out.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-46) Offenders often undergo a lot of psychological distress as a result of being put into such uncertainty.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane-38) On the day itself, the medical officer examines him by measuring his blood pressure and other physical conditions to check whether he is medically fit for the caning. If he is certified fit, he proceeds to receive his punishment; if he is certified unfit, he is sent back to the court for the sentence to be remitted or converted to additional time in prison. A prison officer confirms with him the number of strokes he has been sentenced to.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-47)
In practice, the offender is required to strip completely naked for the caning. Once he has removed his clothes, he is restrained in a large wooden trestle based on the British dual-purpose prison flogging frame. He stands barefooted on the trestle base and bends over a padded horizontal crossbar on one side of the trestle, with the crossbar adjusted to around his waist level. His feet are tied to a lower crossbar on the same side by restraining ankle cuffs made of leather, while his hands are secured to another horizontal crossbar on the other side by wrist cuffs of similar design; his hands can hold on to the crossbar. After he is secured to the trestle in a bent-over position at an angle of close to 90° at the hip, protective padding is tied around his lower back to protect the vulnerable kidney and lower spine area from any strokes that might land off-target.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41)[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-48) The punishment is administered on his bare buttocks[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-49) to minimise the risk of any injury to bones and organs.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11-10) He is not gagged.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41)
The caning officer positions himself beside the trestle. The Director of Prisons explained in a 1974 press conference, "Correct positioning is critically important. If he is too near the prisoner, the tip of the cane will fall beyond the buttocks and the force of the stroke will cause the unsupported tip to dip and bend the cane and thus reduce the effect of the stroke. If he is too far, the stroke will only cover part of the buttocks." Strokes are delivered at intervals of about 30 seconds.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) The caning officer is required to exert as much strength as he can muster for each stroke.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Procedure-41) The offender receives all the strokes in a single caning session, not in instalments.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_330-7)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-50) According to anecdotal evidence, if the sentence involves a large number of strokes, two or more officers will take turns to cane the offender every six strokes to ensure that the later strokes are as forceful as the earlier ones.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-51)[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)
During the caning, if the medical officer certifies that the offender is not in a fit state of health to undergo the rest of the punishment, the caning must be stopped.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-CPC_s_331-3) The offender will then be sent back to the court for the remaining number of strokes to be remitted or converted to a prison term of no more than 12 months, in addition to the original prison term he was sentenced to.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-52)
Caning can cause significant physical damage, depending largely on the number of strokes inflicted. [Michael Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"), who received four strokes, said in an interview, "The skin did rip open, there was some blood. I mean, let's not exaggerate, and let's not say a few drops or that the blood was gushing out. It was in between the two. It's like a bloody nose."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-53)
A report by the [Singapore Bar Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_Society_of_Singapore "Law Society of Singapore") stated, "The blows are applied with the full force of the jailer's arm. When the rattan hits the bare buttocks, the skin disintegrates, leaving a white line and then a flow of blood."[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Effects-54)
Usually, the buttocks will be covered with blood after three strokes.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) More profuse bleeding may occur in the case of a larger number of strokes. An eyewitness described that after 24 strokes, the buttocks will be a "bloody mess".[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44)
Men who were caned have variously described the pain they experienced as "unbearable", "excruciating", "equivalent to getting hit by a lorry",[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-potter_interview-42) "having a hot iron placed on your buttocks",[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44) etc. A recipient of 10 strokes said, "The pain was beyond description. If there is a word stronger than excruciating, that should be the word to describe it".[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-55)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Descriptions-56)
Most offenders struggle violently after each of the first three strokes and then their struggles lessen as they become weaker. By the time the caning is over, those who receive more than three strokes will be in a [state of shock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_stress_reaction "Acute stress reaction"). During the caning, some offenders will pretend to faint but they have not been able to fool the medical officer, who decides whether the punishment continues or stops.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-57) Offenders often undergo a lot of psychological distress before and during the caning: They are not only afraid of the physical pain, but are also worried whether they can prevent themselves from crying out because crying means that they would "[lose face](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_\(sociological_concept\) "Face (sociological concept)")"[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life-37) and be labelled "weak" by their fellow inmates.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Abunehneh-44)
[Gopal Baratham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopal_Baratham "Gopal Baratham"), a Singaporean neurosurgeon and opponent of the practice, in his book *The Caning of Michael Fay: The Inside Story by a Singaporean*, criticised the American [tabloid press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabloid_press "Tabloid press") for false claims, such as that canings are public events (in fact they always take place privately inside the prison):
> Two lashers took turns to wield the bamboo cane. Blood spurted, bits of flesh flew and the prisoner screamed in pain. ... The canings drew hundreds of people, including a lot of women and everybody seemed to love it. Each time the guy got wacked \[*[sic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic "Sic")*\], the crowd would roar – like at a hockey game. They really enjoyed what they saw. (*[New York Newsday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Newsday "New York Newsday")*, 20 April 1994)[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Baratham_81-58)
After the caning, the offender is released from the trestle and receives medical treatment. Antiseptic lotion ([gentian violet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_violet "Crystal violet")) is applied on the wounds.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Treatment-59) The offender is also given painkillers and antibiotics.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)
The wounds usually take between a week and a month to heal, depending on the number of strokes received. During this time, offenders cannot sit down or lie down on their backs, and experience difficulties controlling their bowels. Bleeding from the buttocks may still occur in the days after the caning.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Healing-60) [Madasamy Ravi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M_Ravi "M Ravi"), a human rights lawyer, described the injuries of his client, Ye Ming Yuen, who received 24 strokes, as follows:
> All over his buttocks were multiple marks and deep lacerations. It was so shocking \[that\] my female paralegal who was with me almost fainted. \[...\] The wounds were so deep with blood, flesh and layers of the skin exposed. He didn't have any bandages, just a towel to put over the buttocks. He couldn't sit for too long so he was standing up.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore-43)
Permanent scars remain after the wounds have healed.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Healing-60)
- [Beh Meng Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beh_Meng_Chai "Beh Meng Chai")
- [Nyu Kok Meng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyu_Kok_Meng "Nyu Kok Meng")
- [Soosay Sinnappen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soosay_Sinnappen "Soosay Sinnappen")
- [Michael P. Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay")
- [Ng Theng Shuang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng_Theng_Shuang "Ng Theng Shuang")
- [Kraisak Sakha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraisak_Sakha "Kraisak Sakha")
- [Khwan-On Natthaphon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khwan-On_Natthaphon "Khwan-On Natthaphon")
- Ng Chek Siong, one of the three suspects behind the [murder of Lee Kok Cheong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Lee_Kok_Cheong "Murder of Lee Kok Cheong")
- [Galing Kujat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galing_Kujat "Galing Kujat")
- [Oliver Fricker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Fricker "Oliver Fricker")
- [Yong Vui Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yong_Vui_Kong "Yong Vui Kong")
- [Cheong Chun Yin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheong_Chun_Yin "Cheong Chun Yin")
- [Wang Wenfeng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Wenfeng_\(murderer\) "Wang Wenfeng (murderer)")
- [Tony Anak Imba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Anak_Imba "Tony Anak Imba"), [Hairee Anak Landak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairee_Anak_Landak "Hairee Anak Landak") and [Donny Anak Meluda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donny_Anak_Meluda "Donny Anak Meluda")
- [Yap Weng Wah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yap_Weng_Wah "Yap Weng Wah")
- [Gobi Avedian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobi_Avedian "Gobi Avedian")
- [David James Roach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_James_Roach "David James Roach")
- [Dominic Martin Fernandez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominic_Martin_Fernandez "Dominic Martin Fernandez")
- [Ahmad Muin Yaacob](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmad_Muin_Yaacob "Ahmad Muin Yaacob")
- [Mogan Valo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogan_Valo "Mogan Valo")
- [Harun bin Ripin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harun_bin_Ripin "Harun bin Ripin")
- [Bala Kuppusamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bala_Kuppusamy "Bala Kuppusamy")
- Two of three Singaporean men charged with the [murder of Lee Juay Heng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Lee_Juay_Heng "Murder of Lee Juay Heng")
- [Kuppiah Saravanan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuppiah_Saravanan "Kuppiah Saravanan")
- Eight members of the [Ang Soon Tong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang_Soon_Tong "Ang Soon Tong")\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\]
- [Zainal Abidin Abdul Malik](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zainal_Abidin_Abdul_Malik "Zainal Abidin Abdul Malik")
- Sashi Kumar Pubalasingam, who beat and raped a 69-year-old widow and sexually assaulted two students.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-61)
- [Chua Gin Boon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chua_Gin_Boon "Chua Gin Boon")
- Three of the four youths who were charged with the murder of a 48-year-old taxi driver [Jaswant Singh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jaswant_Singh "Murder of Jaswant Singh")
- One of the two men charged with murdering lorry driver [Yeu Lam Ching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeu_Lam_Ching "Yeu Lam Ching")
- A welder and one of the two murderers responsible for the 1985 contract [murder of Nurdin Nguan Song](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Nurdin_Nguan_Song "Murder of Nurdin Nguan Song")
- [Roshdi Abdullah Altway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roshdi_Abdullah_Altway "Roshdi Abdullah Altway")
- Two men convicted for the [Oriental Hotel murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Hotel_murder "Oriental Hotel murder")
- The seven gang members charged with the [murder of Png Hock Seng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Png_Hock_Seng "Murder of Png Hock Seng")
- [Saminathan Subramaniam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saminathan_Subramaniam "Saminathan Subramaniam")
- [Mohammad Zam Abdul Rashid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Zam_Abdul_Rashid "Mohammad Zam Abdul Rashid")
- [Ng Hua Chye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng_Hua_Chye "Ng Hua Chye")
- The eight gang members of [Salakau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salakau "Salakau"), who were the perpetrators of a gang attack at [South Bridge Road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Bridge_Road "South Bridge Road")
- [Peh Thian Hui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peh_Thian_Hui "Peh Thian Hui")
- [Robson Tay Teik Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robson_Tay_Teik_Chai "Robson Tay Teik Chai")
- [Chua Ser Lien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chua_Ser_Lien "Chua Ser Lien") and [Tan Ping Koon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tan_Ping_Koon "Tan Ping Koon")
- [Chong Keng Chye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chong_Keng_Chye "Chong Keng Chye")
- [Lim Poh Lye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lim_Poh_Lye "Lim Poh Lye") and [Tony Koh Zhan Quan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Koh_Zhan_Quan "Tony Koh Zhan Quan")
- The three perpetrators of the [murder of Jagagevan Jayaram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jagagevan_Jayaram "Murder of Jagagevan Jayaram")
- [Dave Teo Ming and Ong Boon Jun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Singapore_AWOL_incident "2007 Singapore AWOL incident")
- Four of the five main perpetrators behind the murder of a lorry driver [Wan Cheon Kem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wan_Cheon_Kem "Wan Cheon Kem")
- [Madhuri Jaya Chandra Reddy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhuri_Jaya_Chandra_Reddy "Madhuri Jaya Chandra Reddy")
- A gang leader responsible for the death of [Darren Ng Wei Jie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Ng_Wei_Jie "Darren Ng Wei Jie")
- [Gunasegaran Ramasamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunasegaran_Ramasamy "Gunasegaran Ramasamy")
- [Azuar Ahamad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azuar_Ahamad "Azuar Ahamad")
- A supermarket sales executive charged with kidnapping [Ng Lye Poh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng_Lye_Poh "Ng Lye Poh")
- Three of the five people involved in the [St James Power Station murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_James_Power_Station_murder "St James Power Station murder")
- Two accomplices of logistics mover and suspected fugitive [Mohamed Taufik Zahar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Mohamed_Taufik_Zahar "Shooting of Mohamed Taufik Zahar")
- [Loh Suan Lit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loh_Suan_Lit "Loh Suan Lit")
- [Jackson Lim Hou Peng](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Lim_Hou_Peng "Jackson Lim Hou Peng")
- Zaini Jamari, convicted of abusing [Mohamad Daniel Mohamad Nasser](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Mohamad_Daniel_Mohamad_Nasser "Death of Mohamad Daniel Mohamad Nasser")
- [Muhammad Iskandar bin Sa'at](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iskandar_bin_Sa%27at "Muhammad Iskandar bin Sa'at")
- [Syed Maffi Hasan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syed_Maffi_Hasan "Syed Maffi Hasan")
- Three of the seven suspects involved in the [2019 Orchard Towers murder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Orchard_Towers_murder "2019 Orchard Towers murder")
- [Ridzuan Mega Abdul Rahman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridzuan_Mega_Abdul_Rahman "Ridzuan Mega Abdul Rahman")
- [Pua Hak Chuan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pua_Hak_Chuan "Pua Hak Chuan")
- [Muhammad Salihin Ismail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Salihin_Ismail "Muhammad Salihin Ismail")
- [Mohamed Aliff Mohamed Yusoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Aliff_Mohamed_Yusoff "Mohamed Aliff Mohamed Yusoff")
- [Surajsrikan Diwakar Mani Tripathi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surajsrikan_Diwakar_Mani_Tripathi "Surajsrikan Diwakar Mani Tripathi")
- [Mohamad Fazli Selamat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamad_Fazli_Selamat "Mohamad Fazli Selamat")
- A man convicted in the [Ayeesha child abuse case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayeesha_child_abuse_case "Ayeesha child abuse case")
- [Heng Boon Chai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heng_Boon_Chai "Heng Boon Chai")
- Wong Shi Xiang, convicted of the 2020 abuse and [killing of Megan Khung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Megan_Khung "Killing of Megan Khung")
### Comparison of judicial caning in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=15 "Edit section: Comparison of judicial caning in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore")\]
Judicial caning is also used as a form of legal punishment for criminal offences in two of Singapore's neighbouring countries, Brunei and Malaysia. There are some differences across the three countries.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_Differences-62)
| | Brunei | Malaysia | Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharia caning | In practice | Not in practice | |
| Juveniles | Local courts may order the caning of boys below the age of 16. Juveniles are punished "in the way of school discipline" with their clothes on. | Only the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_of_Singapore "High Court of Singapore") may order the caning of boys below the age of 16. | |
| Age limit | Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning. | Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning. However, the law was amended in 2006 such that men convicted of sex offences may still be sentenced to caning even if they are above the age of 50. In 2008, a 56-year-old man was sentenced to 57 years jail and 12 strokes of the cane for rape.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-63) | Men above the age of 50 cannot be sentenced to caning. |
| Maximum no. of strokes per trial | 24 strokes for adults; 18 strokes for juveniles | 24 strokes for adults; 10 strokes for juveniles | |
| Terminology | The official term is *whipping* in accordance with traditional British legislative terminology. | The official term is *whipping* in accordance with traditional British legislative terminology. Informally, the term *caning*, as well as *strokes of the cane* and *strokes of the rotan*, is used. | In both legislation and press reports, the term used is *caning*. |
| Dimensions of the cane | About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and no more than 1.27 cm (0.5 in) in diameter | About 1.09 m (3.6 ft) long and no more than 1.25 cm (0.49 in) in diameter | About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and no more than 1.27 cm (0.5 in) in diameter |
| Type of cane | The same type of rattan cane is used on all offenders regardless of the offence committed. | Two types of rattan canes are used: The smaller one is for white-collar offenders while the larger one is for other offenders. | The same type of rattan cane is used on all offenders regardless of the offence committed. |
| *Modus operandi* | The offender is tied to a wooden frame in a bent-over position with his feet together. He has protective padding secured around his lower back to protect the kidney and lower spine area from strokes that land off-target. | The offender stands upright at an A-shaped wooden frame with his feet apart and hands tied above his head. He has a special protective "shield" tied around his lower body to cover the lower back and upper thighs while leaving the buttocks exposed. | The offender is tied to the trestle in a bent-over position with his feet together. He has protective padding secured around his lower back to protect the kidney and lower spine area from strokes that land off-target. |
Male convicts who are not sentenced to caning by the courts may be caned if they commit aggravated or serious offences in prison while serving their sentences. This type of caning is carried out in the same way as judicial caning ordered by the courts.
A prison superintendent may order an inmate to receive up to 12 strokes of the cane for aggravated offences that have serious implications for institutional order and discipline.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Prisons_Act_section_71-11) Such offences include engaging in gang activities, mutiny, attempting to escape, destruction of prison property, and assaulting prison staff or fellow inmates.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Commit_a_serious_offence_in_prison?_You_risk_a_caning-64) Upon receiving a report of an offence, the prison provost officers will conduct an investigation to collect and review evidence. After that, the accused inmate is given an opportunity to hear the charge and evidence against him and present his defence before a superintendent. The case will also be reviewed by an independent committee appointed by the [Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Home_Affairs_\(Singapore\) "Ministry of Home Affairs (Singapore)"), comprising reputable members of the public and including at least one legally-trained member.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-65)[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-66) After that, the Commissioner of Prisons will review the case and confirm the punishment imposed or vary it accordingly. Depending on the circumstances, the case may be referred to a [visiting justice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_of_the_peace#Singapore "Justice of the peace"), who has the authority to order an inmate to be caned.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Commit_a_serious_offence_in_prison?_You_risk_a_caning-64)[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Written_Reply_to_Parliamentary_Question_2021-67)
In 2021, the MHA revealed that from 2011 to 2020, the [Singapore Prison Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Prison_Service "Singapore Prison Service") administered 2,875 instances of prison caning to 2,149 inmates for committing aggravated or major offences in prison. The median number of strokes was three and the most common offences involved aggravated violence against other inmates and violence against prison staff. No cases were referred to visiting justices during that period.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Written_Reply_to_Parliamentary_Question_2021-67)
In the [Singapore Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Armed_Forces "Singapore Armed Forces") (SAF), a subordinate military court, or the officer in charge of the SAF Detention Barracks, may sentence a serviceman to a maximum of 24 strokes of the cane[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-68) for committing certain military offences or for committing aggravated offences while being detained in the Detention Barracks.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-69) In all cases, the caning sentence must be approved by the Armed Forces Council before it can be administered.[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-70) The minimum age for a serviceman to be sentenced to caning is 16 (now 16\+1⁄2 *de facto*, since entry into the SAF is restricted to those above that age).[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-counsga-71) This form of caning was originally intended primarily for use on recalcitrant teenage conscripts serving [full-time National Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Singapore "Conscription in Singapore") in the SAF.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-72)
Military caning is less severe than its civilian counterpart, and is designed not to cause undue bleeding or to leave permanent scars. The offender must be certified by a medical officer to be in a fit condition of health to undergo the punishment[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-73) and shall wear "protective clothing" as prescribed.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-74) The punishment is administered on the buttocks, which are covered by a "protective guard" to prevent cuts.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-counsga-71) The cane used is no more than 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) in diameter (about half the thickness of the prison/judicial cane).[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-75) During the punishment, the offender is secured in a bent-over position to a trestle similar to the one used for judicial/prison canings.[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-76)
Caning is used as a form of legal corporal punishment in government homes, remand homes and other homes for youths.
Youths aged 16 and below who have allegedly committed crimes may be placed in remand homes during the period of investigation. If convicted, they may be sent to the state-run [reformatories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformatory "Reformatory"), namely the Singapore Boys' Home and the Singapore Girls' Home, for up to three years. The Singapore Boys' Home has youths aged 11 through 18 who have been sent there by the courts for committing offences such as theft, robbery or rioting, or because they have been deemed to be Beyond Parental Control.[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-77)
Youths whose parents have applied for Beyond Parental Control orders against them are placed in remand homes during the period of investigation. They may thereafter be placed in homes which also house juvenile offenders.[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-78)
The superintendents of reformatories are allowed to impose corporal punishment, in the form of caning, on only male residents as a last resort for serious misconduct. They are required to maintain a record of the details and evidence of the offender's misconduct and their reasons for using corporal punishment as a last resort. Persons with mental or physical disability are exempted from such punishment. Solitary confinement is also permitted for children of and above 12 years of age, except in remand homes.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-79)
Caning is administered in private by the superintendent in the presence of a staff member, or by a staff member authorised by the superintendent in the presence of another staff member. A maximum of ten strokes may be inflicted on either the palm of the hand or the buttocks over clothing.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-80)
In the Singapore Boys' Home, boys are routinely caned on the buttocks for serious offences such as fighting, bullying and absconding. A 2006 article in *[The Straits Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Straits_Times "The Straits Times")* reported that there were two cases of bullying per month on average; one youth also said that he had been caned over 60 times in three years at the Singapore Boys' Home.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-81) A former Singapore Boys' Home resident who received 10 strokes for absconding when he was 18 said that his buttocks took two weeks to heal sufficiently before he could sit down properly.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-ReformCP-82)
In the Singapore Girls' Home, punishments for serious offences may include solitary confinement in a windowless room. Previously, caning on the palm of the hand was allowed for female residents and had been carried out before.[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-83) However, the Children and Young Persons (Government Homes) Regulations 2011 now clearly prohibits corporal punishment for female residents.[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-84)
Apart from the Singapore Boys' Home and Singapore Girls' Home, there are other juvenile institutions managed by voluntary welfare organisations, such as the Boys Town operated by the [Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montfort_Brothers_of_St._Gabriel "Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel") for boys of ages 11 to 21.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-ReformCP-82) Although these juvenile institutions are legally allowed to administer corporal punishment on male offenders in the same way as the state-run reformatories, they must obtain the management committee's authorisation before carrying it out.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Children_and_Young_Persons_\(Licensing_of_Homes\)_Regulations_2011_section_27-85)
Caning is a legal disciplinary measure in primary and secondary schools, [junior colleges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_college_\(Singapore\) "Junior college (Singapore)") and [centralised institutes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centralised_institutes_\(Singapore\) "Centralised institutes (Singapore)").[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-86) Under Section 88 of the Education (Schools) Regulations,[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-87) it is permitted for male students only.
The [Ministry of Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Education_\(Singapore\) "Ministry of Education (Singapore)") (MOE) states that corporal punishment is allowed for serious or repeated misconduct under the Education (Schools) Regulations, and adds that counselling and follow-up guidance should be carried out.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-88) At most schools, caning comes after detention but before suspension in the hierarchy of penalties. Some schools implement a demerit points system, in which students receive mandatory caning after accumulating a certain number of demerit points for a wide range of misconduct. The possibility of caning as a corrective action is often explicitly stated in schools' student handbooks or on their websites. As of 2018, 13% of primary schools and 53% of secondary schools (excluding all-girls schools) communicated on their websites that caning may be administered to male students for serious misconduct.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
Canings in school may be sorted into these categories:[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
- Private caning: The most common form of school caning. The offending student is caned in the school's General Office in the presence of the Principal and/or Vice-Principal, together with another witness (usually the student's Form Teacher or Co-Form Teacher). His parents or guardians may be invited to the school to witness the punishment being meted out.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\]
- Class caning: The offending student is caned in front of his class to serve as a warning for his classmates.
- Public caning: The offending student is caned in front of an assembly of the entire school population to serve as a warning for potential offenders. This form of punishment is normally reserved for very serious offences and repeated offences. Certain offences that warrant a public caning include smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, drug- or gang-related activities, fighting, causing hurt to others, vandalism, arson, extortion, theft and any case involving the Police.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-90)[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-auto-91)
- Others: There may be intermediate levels between a "class caning" and a "public caning", such as in front of all classes in the same year as the student.
Under MOE regulations, the punishment may be administered only by the Principal or any staff member under the Principal's express authority, usually the Vice Principal, Discipline Master, Operations Manager, or any other specially delegated member of the school's Disciplinary Committee. The offending student's parents or guardians must then be informed of the details at the earliest possible time once the punishment has been imposed. Some schools may seek parental or guardian consent before administering the punishment.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Education_\(Schools\)_Regulations_section_88-92)[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-School_Principals'_Handbook,_Section_19-93)[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) A maximum of three strokes[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) may be inflicted at a time, using a light [rattan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan "Rattan") cane. The limit was previously six strokes before MOE reduced it to three strokes in 2017.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-94) The student may be caned only on either the palm of the hand or the buttocks over clothing.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Education_\(Schools\)_Regulations_section_88-92)[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-School_Principals'_Handbook,_Section_19-93) Although boys of any age from six to 19 may be caned, most recipients of such punishments are secondary school students aged 14 to 16 inclusive.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) A solemn and formal ceremony, school caning is typically carried out in a manner similar to the caning punishments administered in England before school corporal punishment was banned there in 1998. Some schools tuck a protective item (e.g. book, file, rolled-up newspaper, piece of cardboard) into the student's waistband to protect his lower back in case a stroke lands off-target. The student then places his hands on a desk or chair, bends over or leans forward, and receives strokes from the rattan cane on the seat of his trousers or shorts.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
Certain schools adopt special practices. For example, following English traditions, some schools (mainly all-boys schools) require the student to change into physical education (PE) attire for the punishment because PE shorts are apparently thinner than normal uniform trousers/shorts, even though the main purpose is probably to enhance the formality of the occasion. In some schools, if the caning is conducted in public, the student is required to make a public apology before or after receiving his punishment.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89) Although caning on the palm of the hand is rarely implemented, one notable exception is [Saint Andrew's Secondary School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Andrew%27s_Secondary_School "Saint Andrew's Secondary School"), where students may be caned on the hand for committing less serious offences while a caning on the buttocks is reserved for more serious offences.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-95)
Based on first-hand accounts, the student typically feels moderate to acute pain for the first few minutes, depending on the number of strokes. This soon leads to a stinging sensation and general soreness around the points of impact, usually lasting for some hours; sitting down is likely to be uncomfortable. Superficial bruises and weals may appear on the buttocks and last for a few days after the punishment.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Corpun_schools-89)
As the Ministry of Education does not allow any form of corporal punishment to be administered to female students, they receive alternative forms of punishment such as [detention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_discipline#Detention "School discipline"), Corrective Work Orders, in-house suspension, counselling or [suspension](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_discipline#Suspension "School discipline").[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-96)[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-97)[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-auto-91)[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-98)[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-99)
In 2004, Ng Lee Huat, the principal of [Nan Chiau High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_Chiau_High_School "Nan Chiau High School"), controversially stepped down after admitting to hitting a 14-year-old female student with a soft-cover book.[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-100)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rattancane.jpg)
Canes sold in grocery stores, used by parents to discipline children at home
Caning is also imposed on children by their parents as punishment for offences like poor/imperfect results,[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-101)[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:1-102) disrespect,[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-103) disobedience, incomplete work,[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-104) lying,[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-105) and trying to escape caning.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:0-101) The misbehaving child is usually caned on the buttocks or palm of the hand.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-106) Sometimes, the cane will miss and hit the bare thighs/calves, causing more pain.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-107) The caning usually leaves the child with painful red welts[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-:1-102) that will fade within days.
The most commonly used implement is a thin and light rattan cane, commonly and cheaply found (for around 50 Singapore cents) in neighbourhood provision shops.[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-108) There is usually higher demand when students prepare for examinations, as the cane is used more often during this time, resulting in breakages.[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-109) Sometimes, parents will use other implements such as the rattan handle of a feather-duster, bamboo poles, rulers, clothes hangers,[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-110) or even their bare hands.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-111)
In Singapore, not caning children is seen as being soft on them, and not instilling proper discipline. According to a survey conducted by *[The Sunday Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Straits_Times "The Straits Times")* in January 2009, 57 percent of surveyed parents expressed the view that caning was an acceptable form of punishment, and that they had used it on their children for reasons such as stubbornness, refusal to listen and dangerous/harmful acts.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-112) A newer study conducted by [YouGov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouGov "YouGov") in 2019 found that nearly 80 percent of parents in Singapore had carried/carries out corporal punishment at home.[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-113)
Parental caning is legal in Singapore, but not particularly encouraged by the authorities. Under the Children and Young Persons Act, ill-treatment of a child or young person is defined as inflicting any unnecessary physical pain, suffering or injury, any emotional harm, or any injury to a child's health or development. The person who has the custody, charge or care of the child or young person subjected to ill-treatment may be punished by a fine of up to S\$8,000 or imprisonment of up to eight years, or both.[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-114)[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-115) Several factors are usually considered when determining if parental corporal punishment becomes a criminal offence: the proportionality of the punishment to the offence, the child's age, as well as the frequency of the punishment. The [Ministry of Social and Family Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Social_and_Family_Development "Ministry of Social and Family Development")'s Child Protective Service will also investigate and intervene where there are serious child protection concerns, such as when parental discipline results in serious physical injury or emotional trauma to a child.[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-116)
## Politicians' opinions on caning in Singapore
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caning_in_Singapore&action=edit§ion=22 "Edit section: Politicians' opinions on caning in Singapore")\]
Judicial caning is purportedly meant to serve as a humiliating experience for offenders and as a strong deterrent to crime. In 1966, when Singapore's first [Prime Minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Singapore "Prime Minister of Singapore"), [Lee Kuan Yew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew "Lee Kuan Yew"), introduced caning as a mandatory punishment for vandalism, he said in [Parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Singapore "Parliament of Singapore"), "\[...\] if (the offender) knows he is going to get three of the best, I think he will lose a great deal of enthusiasm, because there is little glory attached to the rather humiliating experience of having to be caned."[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-117)
In a 2004 interview with [China Central Television](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Central_Television "China Central Television"), Lee explained why caning should continue in Singapore with reference to the [1994 Michael Fay incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"): "Every country has its own problems to face, we know, certain things. You put a person in a prison, it makes no difference. He will not change. Because you observe certain rules, there's enough food, enough exercise, fresh air, sunshine ... But if you cane him, and he knows he will be given six of the best on his buttocks, and it will hurt for one week that he can't sit down comfortably, he will think again."[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-118)
Although the extensive use of judicial caning is a policy commonly associated with the ruling [People's Action Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Action_Party "People's Action Party") (PAP), the opposition parties do not oppose it because they agree on its effectiveness as a deterrent to crime.[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Humiliation_and_deterrence-119) Politicians from the opposition parties have voiced support for corporal punishment. [Edmund Ng](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edmund_Ng_Say_Eng&action=edit&redlink=1 "Edmund Ng Say Eng (page does not exist)"), a candidate for the [Singapore Democratic Alliance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Democratic_Alliance "Singapore Democratic Alliance") in the [2006 general election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singaporean_general_election,_2006 "Singaporean general election, 2006"), said, "For criminals, caning serves as a deterrent \[...\] I would not change a winning formula."[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-120) [Sylvia Lim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Lim "Sylvia Lim"), a Member of Parliament from the [Workers' Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workers%27_Party_\(Singapore\) "Workers' Party (Singapore)"), also said in 2007, "What are the purposes of jail, fine and caning? Caning is controversial internationally, but if one must justify why we cane offenders, it is just deserts for pain which the offender has caused to the victim, for example, hurt, injury or the threat of violence. Caning is a severe punishment, and it is always combined with jail as the offences tend to be serious and to make it easier, administratively, to arrange for the caning to take place."[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-121)
The severity and humiliation of the punishment are widely publicised in various ways, mainly through the press but also through other means such as the education system. For example, juvenile delinquents get to watch a real-life demonstration of caning on a dummy during compulsory prison visits.[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Humiliation_and_deterrence-119)
Singapore has come under strong international criticism for its practice of judicial caning, especially after the 1994 Michael Fay incident. [Amnesty International](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amnesty_International "Amnesty International") condemned the practice of judicial caning in Singapore as a "cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment".[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-122) It is also regarded by some international observers as a violation of Article 1 in the [United Nations Convention against Torture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Convention_against_Torture "United Nations Convention against Torture"). However, Singapore is not signatory to the Convention.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-123) [Human Rights Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Watch "Human Rights Watch") similarly referred to the practice of caning as "an inherently cruel punishment".[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-124)
The Singaporean government has defended its stance on judicial caning and said that the punishment does not amount to torture and is conducted under strict standards and medical supervision.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-125) While most Singaporeans either support or are indifferent towards the practice of judicial caning, there is a minority – including dissident [Gopalan Nair](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gopalan_Nair&action=edit&redlink=1 "Gopalan Nair (page does not exist)"),[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-126) lawyer [M Ravi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M_Ravi "M Ravi")[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-Drug_courier's_lawyer_challenges_caning_sentence-127) and businessman [Ho Kwon Ping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Kwon_Ping "Ho Kwon Ping") – who are completely or partially opposed to it.[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-128)
A recipient of nine strokes thinks that even though it may be a nightmare the first time, an offender who has been caned before will have experienced the extent of fear of criminal punishment and so may not find it as much of a disincentive to commit repeat offences. He said, "After he knows what it's like, he will have nothing left to fear. He will know what to expect no matter how many strokes he gets – it's more of the same. No alcohol and women – apart from those two things, prison is really not that bad."[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-potter_interview-42)
In 2022, President [Halimah Yacob](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halimah_Yacob "Halimah Yacob") expressed the need to review the age limit for caning in the case of sex offenders, in light of several high-profile rape cases (especially those involving fathers raping their daughters), where most of the offenders aged 50 and above who escaped caning despite being harshly sentenced to lengthy periods of incarceration by the courts, including a 55-year-old cleaner who was jailed for 33 years after getting convicted of raping his three daughters over a 14-year period, a 54-year-old tutor and paedophile who was sentenced to 45 years' jail for the rape of eight children (including those with learning difficulties) and a fifty-year old man who got 23 years' jail for raping his eleven-year-old daughter over three months due to a Fengshui master's advice.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-129)[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-130) While some expressed concerns over the deterrence effect of caning towards rapists aged more than fifty, most lawyers also supported the need for a review of the age limit for caning in relation to serious crimes like rape, as they felt that the suitability to cane should be decided based on health rather than age, and it may pave way to greater consistency behind sentencing. Among them, Criminal lawyer Johannes Hadi called the age limit of 50 "an arbitrary line in the sand", and questioned the exemption of females from caning based on sexist ideas about the physical difference between men and women. Another lawyer, Law Society of Singapore president Adrian Tan, commented about the need to cane rapists regardless of their age, "If you're fit enough to rape, you should be fit enough to be caned."[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-131) Criminal lawyer Sunil Sudheesan also stated that there should also be measures to ensure a 50-year-old prisoner's suitability to cane based on his health to avoid any sudden health issues from arising during the caning process.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-132)
Critics [\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-133), such as the [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations "United Nations"), argue that since Singapore is signatory to the [Convention on the Rights of the Child](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child "Convention on the Rights of the Child"), it is obliged to "take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse". However, the Singaporean government stated that it considers "the judicious application of corporal punishment in the best interest of the child."[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-134)
As Singapore evolves, some citizens may perceive that schools are refraining from using corporal punishment due to their fears of a strong backlash from parents.[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-135) Educators, when interviewed, say that they are cognisant of Singapore's changing landscape, both in terms of the family structure as well as the influence of social media, in the reduction of corporal punishment in schools. They note that understanding and accepting such punishment is essential to the effectiveness of caning as a deterrent to misconduct.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-136) According to a Singaporean legal advice website, as long as schools administer corporal punishment according to MOE guidelines, parents may not take legal action against the school as they are not direct employers of the school.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-137)
- *Prison Me? No Way\!*, a 15-minute video commissioned by Singapore's National Crime Prevention Council to deter teenagers from crime. The video, released in 1998 and filmed in [Changi Prison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changi_Prison "Changi Prison") and Changi Reformative Training Centre, shows life in prison from the perspectives of two young offenders and includes a reenactment of a judicial caning.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-138)
- *[The Homecoming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Homecoming_\(TV_series\) "The Homecoming (TV series)")*,[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-139) a 2007 Singaporean television series produced by [MediaCorp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaCorp "MediaCorp"). In the drama, four men were convicted of arson in their youth and sentenced to imprisonment and three strokes of caning each. One of them received one more stroke, supposedly for being the mastermind. The caning scene is featured briefly in flashbacks.
- *[Ilo Ilo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilo_Ilo "Ilo Ilo")*, a 2013 Singaporean family film directed by [Anthony Chen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Chen "Anthony Chen"). In one scene, the main character Jiale (Koh Jia Ler) receives a public caning in school for fighting with his classmate in the washroom.[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-140)
- *Rotan*, a 2017 Singaporean short film shown at the Singapore International Film Festival 2017 and directed by Hamzah Fansuri. The film is about a father, who is also the discipline master at his son's school, having to uphold his own principles and punish his rebellious son for breaking the school rules.[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-141)
- *The Caning of Michael Fay: The Inside Story by a Singaporean* (1994),[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-142) a documentary book by [Gopal Baratham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopal_Baratham "Gopal Baratham") published in the wake of the controversial caning of [Michael P. Fay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay "Michael P. Fay"). It concentrates on the personal aspects, the punishment and the sociology of caning in Singapore. The book includes some descriptions of caning and photographs of its results, as well as two personal interviews with men who had been caned before.
- *The Flogging of Singapore: The Michael Fay Affair* (1994) by Asad Latif.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_note-143)
- [Caning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning "Caning")
- [Caning in Brunei](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Brunei "Caning in Brunei")
- [Caning in Malaysia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Malaysia "Caning in Malaysia")
- [Corporal punishment in Taiwan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporal_punishment_in_Taiwan "Corporal punishment in Taiwan")
- [Judicial corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_corporal_punishment "Judicial corporal punishment")
- [School corporal punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_corporal_punishment "School corporal punishment")
1. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_History_1-3)
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#The History of Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#history). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. January 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150115052445/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#history) from the original on 15 January 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2)** [Ratification status](https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-11&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140211151110/https://treaties.un.org/pages/viewdetails.aspx?src=treaty&mtdsg_no=iv-11&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec) 11 February 2014 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") on the [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations "United Nations") website.
3. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_331_3-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_331_3-1) Criminal Procedure Code section 331.
4. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_328_4-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_328_4-1) Criminal Procedure Code section 328.
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-5)**
Thomas, Sujin (12 December 2008). ["24-stroke caning cap to be formalised"](https://www.corpun.com/sgj00812.htm). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115413/http://www.corpun.com/sgj00812.htm) from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-6)**
Nair, Suresh (5 June 1991). "I got 48 instead of 24 strokes". *The New Paper*. Singapore.
7. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_330_7-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_330_7-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_330_7-2) Criminal Procedure Code section 330.
8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_329_8-3) Criminal Procedure Code section 329.
9. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_325_9-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-CPC_s_325_9-1) Criminal Procedure Code section 325(1).
10. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11_10-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11_10-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Yong_Vui_Kong_v_Public_Prosecutor_[2015]_SGCA_11_10-2)
["Yong Vui Kong v Public Prosecutor \[2015\] SGCA 11"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035241/http://www.singaporelaw.sg/sglaw/laws-of-singapore/case-law/free-law/court-of-appeal-judgments/15932-yong-vui-kong-v-public-prosecutor-2015-sgca-11). *SingaporeLaw.sg*. 4 March 2015. Archived from [the original](http://www.singaporelaw.sg/sglaw/laws-of-singapore/case-law/free-law/court-of-appeal-judgments/15932-yong-vui-kong-v-public-prosecutor-2015-sgca-11) on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
11. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Prisons_Act_section_71_11-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Prisons_Act_section_71_11-1) Prisons Act section 71.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-12)**
Teo Kai Xiang (12 April 2021). ["Singapore's Approach to Human Rights"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230407170842/https://www.singapore-samizdat.com/singapore-human-rights/). *Singapore Samizdat*. Archived from [the original](https://samizdat.ghost.io/singapore-human-rights/) on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-13)** Criminal Procedure Code sections 325–332.
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-14)**
Chelvan, Vanessa Paige (9 May 2017). ["Jail terms for those excused from caning should not be 'automatically' raised: High Court"](http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/jail-terms-for-those-excused-from-caning-should-not-be-8831958). *Channel NewsAsia*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170512055007/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/jail-terms-for-those-excused-from-caning-should-not-be-8831958) from the original on 12 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-15)**
Lam, Lydia (20 July 2020). ["Rapist who defecated in court gets additional jail time as he is unfit for caning"](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/rapist-who-defecated-in-court-gets-additional-jail-time-no-canin-12947140). *Channel NewsAsia*. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-16)**
Narayan, Lakshmi (24 December 2012). ["Wield the rod, stem the rot"](https://www.corpun.com/12archive/sgj01212.htm#24280). *The Asian Age*. New Delhi. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170616042501/http://www.corpun.com/12archive/sgj01212.htm) from the original on 16 June 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Table_of_offences_17-0)**
["Singapore: Judicial and prison caning: Table of offences for which caning is available"](https://www.corpun.com/sgjur2.htm). World Corporal Punishment Research. 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150123043724/http://www.corpun.com/sgjur2.htm) from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
18. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-18)** Immigration Act section 15(3b).
19. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Authoritarian_Rule_of_Law_19-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Authoritarian_Rule_of_Law_19-1)
Rajah, Jothie (April 2012). *Authoritarian Rule of Law: Legislation, Discourse and Legitimacy in Singapore*. Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[9781107634169](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781107634169 "Special:BookSources/9781107634169")
.
20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-20)** Vandalism Act, section 3.
21. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed_21-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Offences_for_which_caning_is_imposed_21-1)
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#Offences for which caning is imposed"](https://corpun.com/singfeat.htm#offences). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160716095447/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#offences) from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-22)**
["These 6 were caned for hiring illegals"](https://corpun.com/sgju9807.htm). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. 3 July 1998. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121014083733/http://corpun.com/sgju9807.htm) from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-23)** Control of Manufacture Act sections 8–9.
24. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1993_statistics_24-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-1993_statistics_24-1)
["Singapore Human Rights Practices, 1994"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100711145530/http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/democracy/1995_hrp_report/95hrp_report_eap/Singapore.html). *Electronic Research Collections*. U.S. Department of State. February 1995. Archived from [the original](http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/democracy/1995_hrp_report/95hrp_report_eap/Singapore.html) on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
25. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2007_statistics_25-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2007_statistics_25-1)
["Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100537.htm). U.S. Department of State. 11 March 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2006_statistics_26-0)**
["Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100537.htm). U.S. Department of State. 6 March 2007. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2008_statistics_27-0)**
["2008 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119056.htm). U.S. Department of State. 25 February 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2009_statistics_28-0)**
["2009 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/eap/136008.htm). U.S. Department of State. 11 March 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2010_statistics_29-0)**
["2010 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/eap/154401.htm). U.S. Department of State. 8 April 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2011_statistics_30-0)**
["2011 Human Rights Report: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2011/eap/186306.htm). U.S. Department of State. 24 May 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2012_statistics_31-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2012humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204236#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2014_statistics_32-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2014humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2015_statistics_33-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015: Singapore"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170527014139/https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2015humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Archived from [the original](https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2015humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper) on 27 May 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-2016_statistics_34-0)**
["Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016: Singapore"](https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
35. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-35)**
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#How many strokes are given"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#howmanystrokes). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160716095447/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#howmanystrokes) from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-36)**
"How a Prisoner is Caned". *The Straits Times*. Singapore. 1 May 1994.
37. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Branding_the_Bad_Hats_for_Life_37-4)
Raman, P.M. (13 September 1974). ["Branding the Bad Hats for Life"](https://www.corpun.com/sgju7409.htm). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809182242/http://www.corpun.com/sgju7409.htm) from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
38. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane_38-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-The_invisible_scars_left_by_strikes_of_the_cane_38-1)
Von Mirbach, Johan (5 March 2015). ["The invisible scars left by strikes of the cane"](http://www.dw.com/en/the-invisible-scars-left-by-strikes-of-the-cane/a-18298970). *Deutsche Welle*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154053/http://www.dw.com/en/the-invisible-scars-left-by-strikes-of-the-cane/a-18298970) from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-39)**
["Striking fear into hearts of most hardened criminals"](https://www.corpun.com/myj00405.htm#13421). *New Straits Times*. Kuala Lumpur. 27 May 2004. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180129165100/http://www.corpun.com/myj00405.htm#13421) from the original on 29 January 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-40)** Prisons Regulations section 139(5).
41. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Procedure_41-3)
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#Procedure in Detail"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#procedure). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150115052445/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#procedure) from the original on 15 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
42. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-potter_interview_42-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-potter_interview_42-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-potter_interview_42-2)
Tan, Jeanette (6 July 2018). ["S'porean gang leader served 10 years' jail, got 9 strokes of cane, & now has own pottery exhibition"](https://mothership.sg/2018/07/kim-whye-kee-potter-interview/). *Mothership*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180713231817/https://mothership.sg/2018/07/kim-whye-kee-potter-interview/) from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
43. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Former_Brit_schoolboy_left_horrifically_injured_after_being_flogged_24_times_in_Singapore_43-4)
Hawkins, Jamie (29 August 2020). ["Former Brit schoolboy left horrifically injured after being flogged 24 times in Singapore"](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/former-brit-schoolboy-left-horrifically-22596605). *The Mirror*. London. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
44. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Abunehneh_44-3)
kAi (23 September 2008). ["My Story 第五部"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080928175128/http://abunehneh.sg/?p=244). *Abunehneh*. Archived from [the original](http://abunehneh.sg/?p=244) on 28 September 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-45)** Prisons Regulations section 139(4).
46. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-46)**
["'No advance notice' for caning"](https://www.corpun.com/sgju9405.htm#11926). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. 4 May 1994. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150308093137/http://www.corpun.com/sgju9405.htm#11926) from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
47. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-47)**
John, Arul; Chan, Crystal (1 July 2007). ["Prisoners given chance to confirm sentence beforehand"](https://www.corpun.com/sgj00707.htm#19312). *The New Paper*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115559/http://www.corpun.com/sgj00707.htm) from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
48. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-48)**
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#Apparatus used"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#apparatus). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161219080225/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#apparatus) from the original on 19 December 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
49. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-49)** Prisons Regulations section 139(6).
50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-50)** Prisons Regulations section 139(3).
51. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-51)**
Viyajan, K.C. (30 June 2007). ["Vandal caned three strokes more than ordered"](https://www.corpun.com/sgj00706.htm#19310). *The Straits Times*. Singapore. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160413113002/http://www.corpun.com/sgj00706.htm#19310) from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
52. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-52)** Criminal Procedure Code section 332.
53. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-53)**
["Fay describes caning, seeing resulting scars"](https://www.corpun.com/sgju9406.htm). *Los Angeles Times*. Reuters. 26 June 1994. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150308093142/http://www.corpun.com/sgju9406.htm) from the original on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
54. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-Corpun_Effects_54-0)**
["Judicial Caning in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei \#The Immediate Physical Effects"](https://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#effects). *World Corporal Punishment Research*. September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150115052445/http://www.corpun.com/singfeat.htm#effects) from the original on 15 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
55. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-55)**
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84. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#cite_ref-84)** Children and Young Persons (Government Homes) Regulations 2011 (Cap 38, Reg 22-24, 2001 Rev Ed Sing), reg 24(6).
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Baratham, Gopal (1994). *The Caning of Michael Fay*. Singapore: KRP Publications. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[981-00-5747-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/981-00-5747-4 "Special:BookSources/981-00-5747-4")
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Latif, Asad (1994). *The Flogging of Singapore: The Michael Fay Affair*. Singapore: Times Books International. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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- [Criminal Procedure Code](https://web.archive.org/web/20160113003815/http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?actno=REVED-68&doctitle=CRIMINAL%20PROCEDURE%20CODE%0A&date=latest&method=whole&doctitle=)
- [National Crime Prevention Council](http://www.ncpc.org.sg/index.html)
- [A clip of a staged reconstruction of a caning from a Singapore government video "Prison Me No Way"](https://corpun.com/sgjur1.htm) |
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