A viral video showing a group of foreign workers allegedly fighting on an overhead bridge near Boon Lay MRT station has stirred heated debate among Singaporeans online. The shaky footage, first posted on TikTok and later reshared on Facebook, shows several men shouting at one another while blocking the walkway.
The person filming the incident could be heard struggling to capture the scene steadily, prompting some netizens to joke that the video looked as if it was taken during an “earthquake.” Despite the poor quality, the clip spread quickly across social media, attracting hundreds of comments within hours.
Frustrated commuters complained that the men were obstructing the bridge, making it difficult for passersby to walk through. One Facebook user suggested that if they wished to fight, they should “go somewhere else” instead of blocking public paths.
Netizens React With Criticism and Sarcasm
While some criticised the men in the video, others turned their attention to the person recording. Many users mocked the shaky footage, with one commenter joking that the videographer “must be using a Nokia phone,” while another suggested he should use his SkillsFuture credits to take a videography course.
Other reactions were more serious, with Singaporeans calling for stricter enforcement. Some urged authorities to deport foreigners caught fighting in public, while others questioned why disputes could not be resolved peacefully without violence. A handful of comments also pointed out that migrant workers play an important role in building Singapore’s infrastructure, urging tolerance rather than hostility.
The video sparked divided opinions, with some viewing it as a sign of rising tensions in crowded public spaces, while others dismissed it as just “a drunken quarrel” that got blown out of proportion.
Authorities Expected to Take Firm Action
Although no official statement has been released at the time of writing, similar incidents in the past have typically resulted in police investigations. Fighting in public is considered a serious offence in Singapore, punishable by fines, jail time, or both.
The episode highlights the challenges of balancing social harmony with a growing migrant worker population. Public transport hubs like Boon Lay MRT often serve as meeting points for workers after long shifts, which can sometimes lead to disputes.
As Singapore tightens its stance on public order offences, this case could prompt further calls for visible enforcement and stricter penalties, especially with general concerns about safety and security in crowded areas.