A video circulating online has sparked public concern after a woman believed to be a domestic helper was allegedly seen striking a boy seated in a wheelchair at Hougang Central Bus Interchange. The clip, which has been shared widely on social media platforms, has raised questions about the child’s safety and treatment while under adult supervision in public spaces.
According to claims made by the individual who recorded the footage, the incident occurred at the bus interchange during the afternoon. The person filming alleged that the boy had been struck multiple times, although only one instance was captured on camera. The uploader said they hoped the video would eventually reach the child’s parents so that the matter could be properly addressed.
The short clip shows the woman accompanying the boy as they waited to board a public bus. When the bus arrived and its rear door opened to allow wheelchair access, the woman attempted to push the wheelchair forward but appeared to face some difficulty at first.
What the video appears to show
As seen in the footage, the woman pushed the wheelchair several times before suddenly using her hand to hit the back of the boy’s head. She then continued maneuvering the wheelchair towards the bus. The boy remained seated throughout the interaction and did not appear to resist verbally in the video.
The person who filmed the incident claimed that the recording only captured a single strike, even though they alleged the boy had been hit repeatedly before filming began. The clip was later shared on a Facebook page known for reposting incidents around Singapore, prompting a wave of online reactions.
Images accompanying the video showed the incident taking place within the bus interchange area, a busy public transport hub frequently used by families, commuters and caregivers.
Strong public reaction and concerns raised
The video drew strong reactions from netizens, many of whom expressed shock and concern over the child’s welfare. Several commenters questioned how the boy might be treated when not in public view, especially given his apparent vulnerability.
Some members of the public urged the person who uploaded the video to report the incident to the Ministry of Manpower, while others said the footage should be brought to the attention of the boy’s parents as soon as possible. A number of commenters also called for the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.
There were also differing interpretations of the situation. Some speculated that the wheelchair may not have moved because the foot brake was engaged, suggesting the woman was attempting to get the boy to release it. However, many others strongly disagreed, arguing that regardless of the situation, hitting a child — particularly one in a wheelchair — could not be justified.
Calls for accountability and official response
The incident has reignited broader conversations in Singapore about the treatment of children with disabilities, caregiver stress, and the responsibilities of adults entrusted with their care. Advocates stressed the importance of proper training, patience and oversight when caring for vulnerable individuals, especially in high-pressure environments such as public transport interchanges.
At the time of writing, the Singapore Police Force has been contacted for further information regarding the incident. No official statement has yet been released on whether a report has been made or if investigations are underway.
As the video continues to circulate, members of the public are reminded to report suspected abuse through the appropriate channels, rather than relying solely on social media exposure.