Woman Charged After Allegedly Spitting Water at MRT Commuters, Remanded for Psychiatric Observation
A 37-year-old woman has been charged in court after allegedly spitting water at fellow commuters while travelling on an MRT train, an incident that was filmed and widely circulated online. The case has drawn public attention due to both the disruptive nature of the act and the subsequent decision by the court to order psychiatric observation.
The woman faces one charge of public nuisance. Following the prosecution’s application, the court ordered that she be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for a period of two weeks. During this time, she will undergo psychiatric assessment to determine her mental state and fitness to stand trial.
She appeared in court via video link while in remand. According to reports from the proceedings, she wore a face mask and clothing similar to what she was seen wearing in the viral video footage. The judge informed her that bail would not be granted at this stage, pending the outcome of the psychiatric evaluation.
Incident on Train Sparked Online Outrage
The alleged incident took place during the morning peak hour on an MRT train at Choa Chu Kang station. The woman is accused of spitting water at another commuter and continuing to spray water while onboard the train. Videos shared online showed her holding a bottle and repeatedly engaging in the behaviour despite being confronted by other passengers.
In one clip, a fellow commuter is seen attempting to take the bottle away from her in an effort to stop the disturbance. The woman reportedly resisted, resulting in a brief physical struggle. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting widespread criticism and concern among members of the public.
Many netizens expressed alarm over hygiene and safety on public transport, particularly given Singapore’s emphasis on cleanliness and commuter courtesy. The incident also raised broader questions about how public transport operators and authorities should respond to disruptive behaviour involving individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
Court Proceedings and Mental Health Considerations
During the court session, the woman indicated that she understood the judge’s decision. She asked whether she could be released on bail, but was told that this would not be possible “for the time being”. The judge explained that the situation would be reviewed after the completion of the two-week psychiatric assessment.
She also addressed the court, stating that she felt remorseful for her actions and claimed that anxiety had played a role in the incident. She said she would work on controlling her anxiety and would not repeat the behaviour.
Following the circulation of the video, online users identified her as someone who had previously been associated with a local charity that supports individuals with mental health conditions in reintegrating into society. Past media features have described her as being on the autism spectrum and having been diagnosed with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder during her teenage years.
Under Singapore law, a person found guilty of public nuisance may be fined up to S$2,000. In cases where the offence is committed knowingly or repeatedly, the punishment may include a jail term of up to three months, a fine, or both. The court will review the matter again after the psychiatric report is submitted.