A Chinese-origin man has been sentenced to three months in jail for racially insulting and kicking a 57-year-old Indian-origin woman in Singapore. Wong Xing Fong, 32, attacked Madam Hindocha Nita Vishnubhai near the Northvale condominium in Choa Chu Kang housing estate on May 7, 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan emphasized the serious consequences of racial and religious hostility in Singapore's society and ordered Wong to pay the victim SGD13.20 as compensation. During the trial, Wong denied using racial insults, but Judge Shaiffudin convicted him of one count each of assault and wounding the victim's racial feelings.

Prosecutors had requested a sentence of between six and nine months, highlighting the importance of community and racial harmony in Singapore's multi-racial society. According to Nita's testimony, she was briskly walking to work when she encountered Wong and his fiancee, who told her to "mask up."

Nita explained that she was exempt from wearing a mask due to participating in sports. However, Wong verbally insulted her, and when she responded with "God bless you" to defuse the situation, he kicked her in the chest area. Nita also testified to the emotional impact of the incident, expressing sadness and fear and questioning whether it was wrong to be Indian.

An eyewitness testified that she saw Wong kicking Nita and helped her after the attack. Wong claimed that Nita was sarcastic and aggressive, hurling vulgarities and spitting at him and his fiancee, which prompted his reaction.

While he admitted to using vulgarities, he denied making racial insults. Racially aggravated assault carries a maximum sentence of four years and six months in jail, along with a fine of up to SGD7,500. The judge emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence, considering Wong's lack of remorse and brazen manner in committing the offenses. Additionally, he stressed the importance of promoting racial harmony and unity in Singapore's diverse society.