A viral TikTok video has drawn widespread criticism after a man accused two National Environment Agency (NEA) officers of racial bias when they caught him smoking at Changi Airport Terminal 1.
The two-minute clip, filmed by the offender himself, shows the man alleging that the officers were “racist” for fining him while supposedly allowing an Indian couple and another Indian man to walk away without penalties. He repeatedly emphasised his own Chinese ethnicity while making the accusations.
Throughout the exchange, the female officer was seen on the phone with a supervisor, while her male colleague calmly asked the man not to interrupt. The offender insisted on being escorted to a police station to lodge a report and warned that he would upload the video to social media.
Online Reactions: “Wrong is Wrong, Don’t Play the Race Card”
The video quickly spread across TikTok, amassing more than 600,000 views and thousands of comments within a day. While a few questioned whether other offenders were let off, the overwhelming response condemned the man’s actions.
One Reddit user wrote: “Whatever the case is, you are still in the wrong for smoking in the wrong place, no?” Another added: “Every time you get caught, you start another fairy tale. Just accept it.”
Several commenters, including Chinese Singaporeans, expressed embarrassment at the attempt to frame the incident as racial discrimination. One remark read: “Changi got CCTV everywhere. Why you extra and say racist racist?! This gives us all a bad name.”
Smoking Offences and Public Accountability in Singapore
Under Singapore law, smoking in prohibited areas such as Changi Airport carries hefty fines, reflecting the country’s strict stance on public health and cleanliness. NEA officers are equipped with body cameras, and the airport itself is heavily monitored by CCTV — evidence that can easily clarify disputed cases.
Many online observers reminded the offender that alleging discrimination without proof could backfire legally. Some warned he might face additional consequences for making unfounded accusations or misusing social media to cast aspersions on enforcement officers.
As one commenter summarised: “Is it because I’m Chinese? No lah, it’s because you’re smoking.”
The NEA has yet to issue an official statement, but the viral clip has once again highlighted Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach towards smoking violations, as well as the importance of accountability when interacting with public officers.