Shirtless Man on MRT Sparks Laughter and Concern Among Commuters
A shirtless man spotted riding the MRT has gone viral online after footage of his unusual antics drew a flood of reactions from Singaporeans. The man, described by witnesses as behaving erratically, was seen moving around inside a train cabin without a top, leading to both humorous comparisons and genuine concern from members of the public.
The video, which circulated widely on Facebook and TikTok, shows the individual standing in the middle of the cabin while commuters kept their distance. Some netizens compared him to a sumo wrestler, referencing the famous Nippon Paint advertisements, while others jokingly called him Zhu Bajie from Journey to the West or even a “final boss” in a video game. Memes quickly followed, with comments ranging from “Train to Busan, Singapore version” to “Saturday Night Fever on MRT.”
Despite the light-hearted remarks, a number of Singaporeans expressed unease over the situation. Some questioned how the man managed to enter public transport shirtless without intervention, while others speculated that he could be struggling with mental health issues. “Don’t laugh, this looks more like someone unwell and in need of help,” one commenter noted. Another added, “Luckily he didn’t attack anyone. Security should have stopped him before boarding.”
Concerns Over Public Safety and Mental Health
Incidents like these have reignited discussion about the balance between public safety and compassion. While many saw the humour in the bizarre episode, others pointed out that commuters may have felt unsafe. Calls were made for MRT security and police patrols to be more vigilant in preventing such occurrences from escalating.
The incident also highlights the growing visibility of mental health concerns in Singapore. Several users urged compassion, saying the man may not have been fully aware of his actions. A few even suggested that instead of shaming or mocking, society should focus on support systems that can provide proper medical and psychological assistance to those in need.
Authorities Yet to Respond
At the time of writing, there has been no official statement from SMRT or the Singapore Police Force regarding the shirtless passenger. It remains unclear if any action was taken after he alighted.
While the incident amused many online, it also served as a reminder that not all viral moments are simply entertainment. For commuters, the priority remains safety and reassurance that public transport remains secure. For others, it was a call for greater empathy towards those who may be struggling silently in public spaces.