Supermarket Shenanigans: Teens, Juice, and a Viral “Wuhan Virus” Meme
Picture this: it’s early February, the city’s still buzzing about the pandemic, and two teens decide to turn a quiet supermarket trip into a full‑blown media spectacle.
What Went Down
- Pang, 18, saunters into a FairPrice store on Bukit Batok West Avenue 7, grabs two chilled fruit‑juice bottles, samples them, and even hands back the spots on the shelf.
- Quek, 17, watches, records the whole thing on his phone, and drops the clip on Instagram with the playful (and slightly reckless) caption, “How to spread Wuhan virus“.
- With more than 1,300 followers on Instagram, the video didn’t stay under the radar for long.
Public Reaction and Police Response
Within hours, social media exploded with outrage—people were not thrilled about teens “playing with COVID‑19” on a public feed. A 21‑year‑old witness finally rang up the police on Feb 8, sparking the official investigation.
The Legal Quandary
Both youngsters pleaded guilty to a single charge of being a public nuisance. According to the Deputy Public Prosecutor, Pang had already paid for the juice, yet Quek’s caption sparked a viral frenzy. While the boys are out on bail ($3,000 each), the court has set a sentencing deadline for Aug 27.
What Happens Next?
- Under Singapore law, a public‑nuisance conviction can mean up to three months in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
- Judge Seah Chi‑Ling will review whether probation is a suitable path, keeping rehabilitation at the core of the decision.
Takeaway
In a world where viral headlines can make or break you, the teenage duo’s supermarket stunt serves as a reminder of the power—and responsibility—of social media. The verdict remains pending, but one thing’s clear: entertainment comes with a price, especially when you’re talking about a global pandemic.
