SMRT has lodged a police report after a man deliberately flouted public transport rules by filming himself drinking water inside a train carriage. The stunt, which took place along the East-West Line, quickly spread online after the video was uploaded to social media.
In the clip, the man pointed at a “No Drinking” sign inside the MRT, looked around him, and then took a sip of water while recording the act. After finishing, he gave a thumbs-up to the camera. Speaking in Mandarin, he described it as a “challenge” to test the rules, acknowledging that everyone knew drinking was not allowed.
SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai confirmed the incident, stressing that eating and drinking are strictly prohibited under Rapid Transit System regulations. “We take such irresponsible behaviour seriously. Commuters who witness such acts should alert our staff immediately,” he said.
Rules and Public Response
Consumption of food and drinks has been banned on MRT trains since the early years of the system to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in public transport. Violators can face fines of up to $500 under the law.
The video sparked heated debate online. Some netizens dismissed the act as childish attention-seeking, while others questioned whether taking a sip of plain water should be treated as a serious offence. A number of commenters noted that while rules should be respected, there may be situations—such as health conditions or young children—where exceptions could be considered.
Broader Implications
This case highlights how social media challenges can clash with Singapore’s strict public order laws. While the man may have seen it as harmless content creation, authorities view it as undermining respect for shared spaces.
Public transport operators in Singapore have long emphasised that keeping trains clean is part of maintaining an efficient and pleasant commuting experience. As enforcement remains strict, this latest incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor acts—like drinking plain water—can carry legal consequences when they deliberately disregard regulations.