Singapore Couple Under Scrutiny for Flooding Hotlines with Covid‑19 Grievances
In a move that could set the phone lines of the city ablaze, a Singaporean couple is being investigated for allegedly rallying supporters to flood public hotlines with calls demanding the latest Covid‑19 rules. While the authorities are on the case, the pair’s bold antics and stabs of sarcasm make for a headline‑worthy story.
Who Are the Suspects?
• Ms Iris Koh, 45, the founder of “Healing The Divide,” a group that warns people about vaccines.
• Mr Raymond Ng, 48, her husband and a key conspirator in the operation.
What Exactly Did They Do?
- On 18 Oct, a Telegram group calling itself “Covid‑Critics” organised a “hotline blitz.” Over 2,000 members were urged to call the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and the National Care Hotline.
- They were told to speak up about stricter measures for the unvaccinated, then “boast” that the government was gathering “nationwide ground feedback.” The message urged call‑takers to pass the conversation up the chain to hotline managers.
- Each member was encouraged to call again the next day to chase a “feedback” on the first call, ensuring the lines stayed clogged.
How the Police Reacted
The police, consulting with the Attorney‑General’s Chambers, opened an investigation on 25 Nov. It’s not just a nuisance case; they’re accusing Ms Koh and Mr Ng of abetting the obstruction of public servants.
From video posted on Telegram at 12:50 pm, Ms Koh boasted that giving up her phone would be “obstructing justice” since she was “suing the government for crimes against humanity.” She refused to hand over any device.
Potential Penalties
- Obstructing public servants – up to 3 months in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
- Abetting an offence by 10 or more people – up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both.
The officers warned that they’ll “not hesitate” to pursue anyone who deliberately oversubscribes essential call centers or encourages others to do so. In the words of the police:
“These hotlines are vital lifelines for Singaporeans. Endless, frivolous calls can lengthen waiting times and frustrate genuine callers, even preventing those in real need from timely help.”
Why the Public Should Care
With the city’s relief infrastructure running on thin bandwidth, an artificial surge of calls can lead to real‑world delays. People seeking mental health support, vaccination advice, or help with social services might find their calls queued for longer than usual, risking outcomes that could have been avertable.
Wrap‑up
While the investigation unfolds, the couple’s tech‑savvy theatrics and relentless call‑spamming illustrate a broader trend of WhatsApp‑and‑Telegram‑driven activism. In Singapore’s hyper‑connected society, the most potent weapon appears to be the smartphone. For now, the authorities are keeping an eye on this duo and ensuring that the call centres don’t get swept away by a wave of “feedback” worth a calendar‑sized 24‑hour surge.
