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.
via GIPHY
2. The Pokemon Go operator permit can only be granted by certified centers located in Bukit Batok, Ubi and Kovan.
via GIPHY
3. Playing Pokemon Go is banned in all public places from 10:30pm to 7am.
via GIPHY
4. Meet-The-Pokemon-Masters sessions will be held once a week at your local RC.
via GIPHY
5. Pokemon Go is strictly prohibited in the CBD, except on Car-Free Sundays.
via GIPHY
6. Pokemon sightings on tracks are permissible reasons for train service disruptions.
via GIPHY
7. An assembly of five or more Pokemon Go players without a permit is designated an unlawful assembly by law.
via GIPHY
8. Students in Primary 6, Secondary 4 and JC2 are required to attend compulsory Pokemon Go safety training during school holidays.
via GIPHY
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.
via GIPHY
10. Only one Pokemon Go player is allowed per household, with subject to approval by HDB.
via GIPHY
11. Queer-looking Pokemon like Jigglypuff, Clefairy and Mr. Mime will receive an R21 rating by the MDA.
via GIPHY
12. Successful Pokemon masters (influencers) are liable to taxation.
via GIPHY
13. Foreign entities should not interfere with any local Pokemon Go events.
via GIPHY
14. Under the Constitution of Singapore, permits need to be obtained to catch any Pokemon found in the Speaker's Corner.
via GIPHY
15. Ministers and their entourage of grassroots leaders and members have priority access to Pokestops.
via GIPHY
16. Electronic Pokemon Pricing System gantrys will be installed in areas with high population of Pokemon (payable via Apple/Android/Google Pay).
via GIPHY
17. Residents are encouraged to report Rattata infestations to the NEA.
via GIPHY
18. Do not feed the Pidgeys.
via GIPHY
19. Do not feed the Mankeys and Primeapes at nature parks.
via GIPHY
20. Residents of Yishun are encouraged to keep all Meowths indoors.
via GIPHY