Australian faces flogging in Singapore for swearing on Tiger Airways flight

An Australian man is facing a flogging in Singapore for swearing during an argument while on a Tiger Airways flight.

The West Australian newspaper wrote that Perth maritime worker Bruce Griffiths, 47, entered into a loud argument with another man during an overnight flight from Perth to Singapore on Jan. 3.

Seated in the middle of a row, Griffiths had apparently disturbed the man while trying to move seats to allow a woman to reach a toilet.

The Fairfax media wrote that Mr Griffiths responded to the man after he swore first, and the argument escalated to the point where cabin staff became involved.

Griffiths was charged under Singapore's laws against an "outrage of modesty," which can include using coarse language and men behaving inappropriately towards women.

The laws apply for such "crimes" committed not in Singapore but also on Singapore-owned and registered airlines.

Australia's Foreign Affairs department even warns about the penalties of being convicted of the crimes: two years' jail, fines, caning or a combination.

Meanwhile, Fairfax quoted a Tiger Airways spokeswoman as saying:

"Tiger Airways has a zero tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour on board our aircraft. Safety and security of staff and passengers underpins the operation at all times and is something we will not compromise."

Outrage of modesty crimes can also apply on planes registered in Singapore and inbound Singapore-owned carriers.