Full Breakdown
Singapore Vending-Machine Straw Lick Leads to Criminal Charges
4/29/2026, 7:05:58 AM
Strict Laws Underpin Singapore’s Response
Singapore enforces strict public-order laws that apply to residents and visitors alike. Public nuisance is punishable by up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of S$2,000; mischief, which includes actions that threaten public health, can carry up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. The government has applied these penalties to foreign nationals, as seen in the 1993 Michael Fay case, which drew US protest but did not change Singapore’s stance.
Companies, School and Legal Team Respond
iJooz, operator of smart orange-juice vending machines in Singapore, said it replaced all 500 straws in the unit and is deploying upgraded machines with individually packaged straws and added hygiene safeguards. ESSEC Business School confirmed Maximilien’s enrollment, said it is supporting the student, maintaining contact with his family, and is conducting an internal review of conduct. His lawyers, Kanthan Raghavendra and Kalidass Murugaiyan of Kalidass Law Corp., noted that his parents have arrived in Singapore and that a school representative will act as bailor. The Singapore judiciary set bail at S$5,000 (?US$3,920).
Public Outcry Over Unsanitary Act
The video went viral, prompting condemnation that called the act unsanitary and disrespectful. Users highlighted the teenager’s caption describing the city as unsafe and urged stricter hygiene enforcement in public venues, increasing pressure on authorities and iJooz.
Key Data and Figures
Location: Goldhill Centre, Singapore
Straws replaced: 500
Penalties: up to 3 months’ jail + S$2,000 fine (public nuisance); up to 2 years’ jail (mischief)
Bail: S$5,000 (?US$3,920)
Consistent Reporting, Minor Detail Variations
All sources agree on the incident date, charges and bail amount. One source describes the upload as an Instagram story, another as an Instagram video; no further details on intent have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “city is not safe” — Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, Instagram caption
- “ESSEC takes matters of conduct and community responsibility seriously, and internal investigations are underway,” — ESSEC spokesperson
- “Court documents, via The Straits Times , stated that iJooz replaced all 500 straws in the machine's dispenser after the alleged incident.” — iJooz statement
- “He was offered bail at 5,000 Singapore dollars (about $3,920), according to the Singapore judiciary site.” — Singapore judiciary site
Upcoming Court Hearing and Industry Changes
The case returns to court on 22 May, where a verdict and any sentence will be decided. iJooz plans to roll out vending machines with individually packaged straws nationwide to address the hygiene concerns raised by the incident.
