deceased as are in the possession of the hospital, medical clinic or place of custody for such period as may be prescribed.
(2) Any person who, without reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall be on the accused in a prosecution, fails to comply with subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
Body not to be moved
9.—(1) In the case of a reportable death, no person shall remove, or in any manner alter the position of, a body unless the removal or moving of the body is—
- (a) authorised by a police officer; or
- (b) necessary for the purpose of preventing any destruction or damage to the body.
(2) Any person who, without reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall be on the accused in a prosecution, contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
PART III
INVESTIGATIONS INTO DEATHS
Investigations into deaths
10.—(1) A police officer who comes across or receives any information about any death which is, or appears to be, a reportable death shall—
- (a) if the body is in Singapore, proceed immediately to the spot where the body is lying or the death is believed to have occurred; and
- (b) use his best endeavours to investigate the cause of and circumstances connected with the death of the deceased.
(2) If the police officer is unable to comply with subsection (1), he shall immediately inform his superior officer who shall depute some other police officer who shall comply with that subsection.
