The Money‑Minded Security Guard Who Broke the Rules
Picture this: a 56‑year‑old security guard, Burhanto Rejo, believes he’s in the paradise of Hari Raya Puasa yet has a sneaky spot of Covid‑19 in his system. Instead of lounging at home, he decides to sprint to a loan office in Hougang Mall, hoping to secure a few bucks for his family’s festive splurge.
When “Stay at Home” Became a Reality TV Show
- May 18: Burhanto’s symptoms flare up—sharp cough, sneezing, the works. Medical leave for five days. Doctor’s note: “Stay home, stay safe.”
- May 23, 9 am: The doctor confirms a Covid‑19 positive test. Urgent ambulance pick‑up scheduled for the next day.
- 1 pm: A second call confirms the ambulance arrives six hours later. Yet the frequency of the “stay‑home” mantra is starting to wear thin in his mind.
But here’s the twist: Burhanto’s english is easy, but his conscience is something else. He thinks, “I’m the breadwinner, my wife can’t work… We’ve got debts, a 9‑year‑old son. Hari Raya is nearly next day. What if we’re left with nothing?”
One Trip, One Disinfecting Cost
He books a ride via his niece, drags himself to Goldstar Credit, and secretly lies on the health declaration. “No fever, no symptoms, no stay‑home notice—just a solid guy looking to borrow.” That reality check back at the store? The loan officer notices something amiss but lets him go through. Burhanto sits, sports a smile, but soon the phone rings with the ambulance’s urgency. Panic? He rushes back home; amid calls from hospitals and ambulance officers he flies almost like an over‑excited hawk.
When he finally reaches the doorstep, his list of “break‑the‑rules” points is: Goldstar Credit branch had to dump a $600 disinfecting bill. The law‑minded doctors and supervisors had already warned him about isolation. Yet he chose the gamble over money for an upcoming feast.
The Court’s Verdict
- October 14 (court date): Burhanto receives a sentence of five months plus two weeks in jail.
- Reason: Infinate risk of a 7‑infection chain in the pandemic; “He bent the rule, lied, had no fever, but still did the risk‑it.”
- Judge’s leniency: The judge delays the start of the sentence to allow Burhanto to prep for financial assistance and maybe consolidate his edicts while living it—until November 22.
There’s a bit of drama downstairs: Burdhanto’s wife—caught in tears—clutches a long‑term pass that ties her to a stipend for nothing, and the child? He’s the innocent anchor. The judge, recognizing the family pressure, denied a bail increase request from 2,000 to 3,000, as the funds just weren’t there.
What’s the Moral of the Story?
If you’re standard, just stay at home if you’re ill. If you’re a risk‑offier, use official protocols, not your own wallet. Even being armed with a nice “nanny” can’t cheat a responsible pandemic protocol. The case reminds us: In the pandemic era, even eager family support can’t outperform a straight‑up duty to public safety.
So, here concludes the story of Burhanto—who jazzed up a loan trip, had a Covid risk, and paid the consequences. He’s now on a 5‑month sentence with a waiting game to hand in his financial plans and keep his little root from losing its flavour when he’s behind bars.
