SINGAPORE - The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is investigating a man who has been seen in Punggol donning a Singapore Army uniform with an insignia which suggested he was a high-ranking officer.

A photo of the man, posted on The Reservist Facebook page last Saturday, shows him wearing the green pixellated "number four" Army uniform, adorned with several badges and patches. The rank on the uniform appears to be that of major. The man also sports a tattoo on his right upper arm.

The number of badges and patches on the man’s uniform has sparked debate online.

Some online commentators have also suggested that the badges or patches were attached in the wrong positions, raising suspicion that the man was impersonating an SAF personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 2) that the SAF is aware of the matter and investigations are ongoing.

"Impersonation of SAF personnel is a serious offence, and offenders will be liable for prosecution," Mindef added.

Comments on the Facebook post suggest that the man has been seen a few times around Hougang and Punggol.

Chinese-language paper Shin Min Daily News also reported on Sunday that an unnamed employee of a Punggol coffee shop confirmed that they had seen the man around at least two to three times.

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