SINGAPORE, Sept 1 — An Indonesian national has been charged with carrying an offensive weapon in a public place after allegedly concealing a 19.5cm pointed knife in his shoe at Changi Airport.

The Straits Times reported that Syaifudin Alfitroh, 32, was allegedly carrying the knife in the departure hall of Terminal 4 at about 12.45pm on August 27.

The knife, which had a 12cm blade, was allegedly wrapped in several layers of plastic bags and tape.

Police said the weapon was detected by an X-ray machine, after which Syaifudin was escorted to a search room where it was allegedly found inside his right high-cut shoe.

He was charged in court on August 29.

Police said they take a serious view of attempts to bring offensive weapons into public spaces.

“Travellers are reminded that those found in possession of offensive weapons without lawful purpose will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” police said.

Syaifudin remains in remand and his case is scheduled to be heard again on September 7.

If convicted, he faces up to three years in jail and a minimum of six strokes of the cane.