It wasn’t long before the sensational augmented reality game app Pokemon Go caught the attention of the Singapore government. Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim has said the government will monitor the situation and study the potential impact the game (currently at 75 million downloads across 35 countries) may have on society.
There has been robust outcry from both critics and supporters, and while the jury is still out, it’s possible the game will be allowed into Singapore, with some conditions. Given our beloved propensity for rules, permits and fines, here’s what we imagine these conditions might look like.
1. An operator permit must be obtained in order to play Pokemon Go.
2. The Pokemon Go operator permit can only be granted by certified centers located in Bukit Batok, Ubi and Kovan.
3. Playing Pokemon Go is banned in all public places from 10:30pm to 7am.
4. Meet-The-Pokemon-Masters sessions will be held once a week at your local RC.
5. Pokemon Go is strictly prohibited in the CBD, except on Car-Free Sundays.
6. Pokemon sightings on tracks are permissible reasons for train service disruptions.
7. An assembly of five or more Pokemon Go players without a permit is designated an unlawful assembly by law.
8. Students in Primary 6, Secondary 4 and JC2 are required to attend compulsory Pokemon Go safety training during school holidays.
9. MBS will enforce an entry levy of $100 for all Singapore citizens and permanent residents seeking admission to play Pokemon Go within the compound.
10. Only one Pokemon Go player is allowed per household, with subject to approval by HDB.
11. Queer-looking Pokemon like Jigglypuff, Clefairy and Mr. Mime will receive an R21 rating by the MDA.
12. Successful Pokemon masters (influencers) are liable to taxation.
13. Foreign entities should not interfere with any local Pokemon Go events.
14. Under the Constitution of Singapore, permits need to be obtained to catch any Pokemon found in the Speaker’s Corner.
15. Ministers and their entourage of grassroots leaders and members have priority access to Pokestops.
16. Electronic Pokemon Pricing System gantrys will be installed in areas with high population of Pokemon (payable via Apple/Android/Google Pay).
17. Residents are encouraged to report Rattata infestations to the NEA.
18. Do not feed the Pidgeys.
19. Do not feed the Mankeys and Primeapes at nature parks.
