In a disturbing incident that unfolded on May 21, a 52-year-old man was reported to have harassed two female tourists from China while they were travelling on a public bus in Singapore. The situation escalated to the point where the man attempted to grab the bus driver’s steering wheel, prompting a police investigation into the matter.
The tourists, identified as Xiao Xie and her friend, were on bus service 980, heading back to their hotel in Geylang when they first noticed the man behaving erratically. Initially seated at the back of the bus, they paid little attention to him until his loud, self-directed conversations caught their notice. Concerned for their safety, the women decided to change seats to distance themselves from the man.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated. According to Xiao Xie, the man, who was carrying a large bag filled with beer, became agitated upon noticing their move. He began to stagger around the bus, shouting and making obscene gestures towards the women. The situation escalated further when he argued with the bus driver after missing his stop and attempted to seize control of the steering wheel.
Feeling threatened, the two women chose to remain silent as the man grew increasingly aggressive, even trying to snatch their phones. In a particularly alarming moment, he reportedly shouted in English, “People from China should not come to Singapore,” adding to the tension of the encounter.
When the bus arrived at the Lorong 1 Geylang Bus Terminal, Xiao Xie and her friend attempted to wait for the man to walk away. However, he turned back towards them, prompting the women to board another bus. They urgently requested the driver to close the doors to prevent the man from following them, which he did without hesitation. The driver then contacted a colleague for assistance.
Eventually, staff from the bus interchange arrived to escort the man away, and Xiao Xie took the initiative to call the police to report the incident. The Singapore Police Force confirmed that they received a call for assistance at 4:55 PM on the same day and that the man is currently assisting with ongoing investigations into the case of intentional harassment.
Despite the frightening experience, Xiao Xie expressed that this incident would not tarnish her overall impression of Singapore. She noted that they had come to the country to attend a Lady Gaga concert and found Singapore to be a beautiful destination worth visiting. She emphasized that the man’s behavior was an isolated issue and that there are many kind-hearted individuals in Singapore.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in public spaces, especially for tourists. The police continue to investigate the matter, ensuring that such behavior is addressed appropriately to maintain the safety and comfort of all passengers.
For those who have experienced similar situations or have information related to this case, the authorities encourage them to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News