An IJooz machine became the focus of a prank.Image: keystone
July 13, 2026, 2:20 p.mJuly 13, 2026, 2:20 p.m
A brazen online act involving a licked straw could have serious consequences for a French student in Singapore.
The 19-year-old has to answer in court because he first pulled a drinking straw from a drinks machine across his mouth and then put it back into the device. He posted a video of this on his Instagram account, as the local broadcaster Channel News Asia (CNA) reported, citing the judiciary.
The Frenchman filmed himself licking a drinking straw.Image: Screenshot X
The Frenchman is accused of damaging property and disturbing public order. If found guilty, he could face more than two years in prison or a fine – or both. According to media reports, the defense wants to plead for a suspended sentence.
According to the indictment, the incident occurred in March at a juice vending machine in the Goldhill Center shopping center. The operator of the machine then had to replace all 500 drinking straws. According to court documents, the damage caused amounted to five Singapore dollars (around 3.13 francs).
He put the licked straw back in the machine.Image: Screenshot X
Will the student lose his residence permit?
The proceedings were actually supposed to continue in the morning (local time) with a guilty plea in court. Instead, the hearing was adjourned. Reason: The public prosecutor’s office explained that it should first be clarified with the immigration authorities whether the student’s residence permit will be revoked in the event of a conviction. This could have an impact on the sentence.
The Frenchman has a student passport and is studying at the ESSEC Business School in Singapore. According to the information, the renowned university also initiated an investigation.
Chewing gum is still banned today
The wealthy city-state is known for its strict laws and their consistent enforcement. High standards of cleanliness and strict rules in public spaces have been a hallmark of Singapore for decades. To this day, travelers are strictly prohibited from importing chewing gum into Singapore. This is intended to prevent vandalism and contamination of sidewalks and other public places. (nil/sda/dpa)