Section 51 — Power to examine and secure attendance

(1)The Commissioner may do all or any of the following for the purposes of investigating any report made under Part 4 or any offence under this Act if the Commissioner reasonably suspects that such an offence has been committed:

(a)issue a written order requiring anyone within the limits of Singapore, who appears to be acquainted with any of the facts and circumstances of matters under this Act, to attend before him or her, and that person must attend as required;

(b)examine orally any person who appears to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of matters under this Act.

(2)Any person examined under this section is bound to state truly what the person knows of the facts and circumstances concerning matters under this Act, except that the person need not say anything that might expose the person to a criminal charge, penalty or forfeiture.

(3)A statement made by any person examined under this section must —

(a)be reduced to writing;

(b)be read over to the person;

(c)if the person does not understand English, be interpreted for him or her in a language that the person understands; and

(d)after correction, if necessary, be signed by the person.

(4)If any person fails to attend as required by an order under subsection (1), the person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —

(a)if the person is an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both; or

(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.