SINGAPORE: GOVERNMENT BLITZ AGAINST LONG HAIR - VISITORS ORDERED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO HAVE HAIR CUT

Record ID: 647803

  • Title: SINGAPORE: GOVERNMENT BLITZ AGAINST LONG HAIR - VISITORS ORDERED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO HAVE HAIR CUT
  • Date: 15th January 1972
  • Summary: 1. GV Singapore street scene 0.08 2. GV Long-haired people walking in street - various shots 0.26 3. LV Causeway linking Singapore & Malaysia 0.30 4. SV Bus arrives and passengers get off 0.42 5. SV Passengers towards Immigration 0.51 6. CV Immigration inspector and youths 1.01 7. SV Visitor having hair-cut in nearby barber shop 1.15 8. SV Shorn visitor leaves barber shop 1.23 Initials ES. 2146 ES. 2211 Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 30th January 1972 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: SINGAPORE
  • Country: Singapore
  • Reuters ID: LVA7GI5RXSOXJCTU7SA7R7VS1L2E
  • Story Text: The Singapore Government is rigidly enforcing its decision to ban long hair.

    The decision is part of a national effort to stamp out drug-taking and hippie-type culture.

    Visitors arriving in Singapore, and Singaporeans returning from foreign countries, are subject to an immigration inspection -- and many are being ordered to have their hair cut before being allowed to enter Singapore.

    The rule is that all hair which falls below the collar -- or covers the eyes and ears -- must come off.

    SYNOPSIS: The streets of Singapore -- where the sight of a youth with long flowing hair is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. In recent weeks the government has rigidly enforced its decision to ban long-hair altogether. It's all part of an effort to stamp out drug taking, and hippie-type culture in Singapore. The rule is that all hair which falls below the collar -- or covers the eyes and ears -- must come off.

    The immigration point on the causeway linking Malaysia and Singapore is one of the places where the government ruling has led to angry scenes. Visitors arriving, and Singaporeans returning from overseas, are subject to an immigration inspection. And if the hair is too long -- it comes off. Otherwise the wearer is declined admission to Singapore.

    The Singapore government says it is not opposed to long hair as such. But it says it is symptomatic of drug-taking and hippyism.

    Near the immigration checkpoint is a conveniently placed barber's shop. There, the visitor who doesn't meet the regulations can get a quick hair-cut: and permission to enter Singapore.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2015. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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