French student fined S$600 for licking and returning iJooz vending-machine straw
A 19-year-old French student studying in Singapore was ordered to pay S$600 after admitting to licking a straw from an iJooz orange-juice dispenser and putting it back.
Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, a 19-year-old French student attending school in Singapore, admitted to a single count of public nuisance after he removed a straw from an iJooz orange-juice vending machine, licked it, and returned it to the dispenser. He posted the act on Instagram with the caption “city is not safe,” sparking widespread disgust online and coverage by local media. In court, both the prosecution and Maximilien’s defence sought a fine, and the judge levied a S$600 penalty.
The iJooz operator responded by swapping out all 500 straws in that machine. Under Singapore law, public-nuisance violations can carry fines up to S$2,000, up to three months’ jail time, or both. Maximilien expressed remorse, acknowledging that his prank had serious consequences.
Why it matters
The case highlights Singapore's strict enforcement of public-health and hygiene standards.
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