Singapore Police Probe Racist Remarks Linked to Nepal Floods, SIA Debate

Singapore police are investigating online remarks linked to the Nepal floods and discussions surrounding Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India, after receiving reports of offensive comments. 

Authorities confirmed that five individuals have been interviewed and pledged to continue identifying those responsible. Police stressed they take a serious view of conduct that may wound racial feelings or incite hostility between communities.

Singapore Ministry Orders Social Media Platforms to Remove Offensive Posts

Senior Minister K Shanmugam condemned the remarks as “shameful, nasty” and “totally unacceptable,” citing examples such as derogatory references to Indians and xenophobic slurs. 

He noted that despite more than a thousand deaths in Nepal and Singaporeans still unaccounted for, racist comments continued to circulate online. 

Shanmugam also highlighted “anti‑Indian ranting” triggered by debates over SIA’s stake in Air India, including offensive stereotypes.

The Ministry of Digital Development and Information will request social media platforms to remove posts breaching guidelines. 

Shanmugam said media outlets had already deleted several comments due to their severity, though it remains unclear if all originated from Singaporeans. Police confirmed investigations are ongoing but declined to comment on individual cases.