Singapore’s New Racial Harmony Law Is Now in Effect

Singapore’s Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act 2025 comes into operation today, 15 September 2026. It brings key race-related offences and several new safeguards together in one dedicated law.

For most people living in Singapore, the Act does not create a new daily registration or reporting requirement. Its main focus is serious conduct and content that can damage racial harmony, as well as governance and foreign-influence risks involving designated race-based organisations.

What has changed?

Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code, which previously covered certain race-related offences, are repealed and replaced by updated provisions in the new Act.

The offences cover conduct such as inciting enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility against a racial group; insulting, vilifying, denigrating, threatening or abusing someone on the basis of race; and urging race-based violence.

The Act also includes defences for private or domestic conduct and for pointing out certain matters in good faith so that they can be addressed.

Can people still discuss race?

Yes. The Act does not make every difficult, critical or uncomfortable discussion about race illegal.

The legal test depends on the specific conduct and context. The provisions are aimed at conduct that falls within the offences set out in the Act or content that prejudices the maintenance of racial harmony. Ordinary disagreement is not automatically an offence simply because race is being discussed.

How restraining orders work

The Minister for Home Affairs can issue a restraining order against a person involved in communicating, producing or distributing content that prejudices racial harmony in Singapore.

An order can, depending on its terms, stop specified material from being communicated or distributed, require it to be made unavailable to the public in Singapore, restrict a person from addressing a specified audience on a specified subject, or limit involvement in a specified publication.

The order takes effect when it is served. Failing to comply is an offence. The purpose is to allow faster action where harmful content—especially online—could spread rapidly and cause lasting damage.

The affected person can make representations to the new Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony. If the Council’s recommendation differs from the Cabinet’s advice, the President has discretion to confirm, cancel or vary the order.

A community option for some less serious cases

The Community Remedial Initiative gives an alleged offender an opportunity, in suitable cases, to learn from the harm caused and make amends through a prescribed programme.

When deciding whether to prosecute an alleged Part 6 offence, the Public Prosecutor may consider whether the programme was completed satisfactorily. MHA says this option will not be offered in egregious cases, including incitement of violence or conduct that severely undermines social cohesion.

A new Presidential Council

The Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony begins its first three-year term on 15 September 2026, replacing the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony.

Its members represent Singapore’s major racial and religious communities and include people distinguished in public service or community relations. The Council reviews relevant restraining orders and considers racial or religious harmony matters referred by the Minister or Parliament.

What designated race-based organisations should know

The Act introduces safeguards against foreign influence for entities that are formally designated under the law. MHA has said it will engage affected organisations before designation and guide them ahead of their first reporting obligation in April 2028.

Requirements can include disclosure of foreign and anonymous donations, foreign affiliations and leadership composition, together with leadership restrictions. The rules do not amount to an automatic blanket ban on every foreign donation.

Where a specific foreign-influence risk threatens racial harmony, public peace or public order, the Minister can impose stronger measures through a foreign-influence restraining order.

What this means for residents and expats

• Think before creating or forwarding content that attacks people or encourages hostility or violence because of race.
• Do not assume that an online post is outside Singapore law simply because it was created overseas.
• If you help lead a race-based association, check whether it becomes formally designated and follow the guidance issued to the organisation.
• Keep discussing race responsibly. The law targets defined harmful conduct; it does not prohibit every conversation about racial issues.

This article is a simplified overview, not legal advice. The full Act and official explanations should be checked when a real incident, organisation or publication may be affected.

Where to verify: This article is general editorial information, not legal, immigration, medical or financial advice. Requirements can change. Check the relevant Singapore government agency or a qualified professional for advice about your situation.