A petty disagreement on a Singapore MRT train turned violent when a 47-year-old woman kicked an elderly passenger in the abdomen during a quarrel over seat space. The offender, Endon Abu Bakar, has since been fined S$4,000 by the court for voluntarily causing hurt.
The incident occurred on 5 December 2024 aboard the East-West Line. Endon pleaded guilty in court, acknowledging her role in the altercation with the 66-year-old victim.
The dispute stemmed from a seemingly minor act—Endon sat on an MRT seat that had a plastic bag on it, unaware that the item belonged to the woman beside it.
Argument Escalates After Contact with Bag
The victim had boarded the train at Clementi around 10.30am and placed her bag on the adjacent seat. About 30 minutes later, Endon boarded at Paya Lebar and took the seat, inadvertently brushing against the bag, reported Zao Bao.
This contact triggered an argument. The victim felt Endon should have requested her to remove the bag first, instead of just sitting down. Tempers flared, with both parties exchanging words.
Matters escalated when Endon raised her phone at the elderly woman, who responded by smiling, flashing a peace sign, and holding up her own phone. The reaction appeared to enrage Endon further—she grabbed the woman’s phone, prompting the victim to stand and attempt to retrieve it.
In the heat of the moment, Endon kicked the victim in the abdomen.
Emergency Stop at Tanah Merah After Train Button Pressed
The altercation caused such a commotion that another commuter activated the emergency button, resulting in the train halting at Tanah Merah station. MRT staff attended to the scene and interviewed both women.
Medical examination later revealed that the elderly woman had suffered a bruise and minor soft tissue injury. Thankfully, she did not need hospitalisation or medical leave.
In court, Endon revealed she was a librarian earning about S$2,500 monthly, with a S$1,200 monthly HDB loan to service. Her mitigation plea was submitted in writing but not read out.
Judge Issues Stern Warning Despite Financial Burdens
District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan described the case as a borderline one regarding jail time. While noting Endon’s financial struggles, the judge emphasised that her aggressive conduct in a public space could not be excused.
“This happened in an MRT train, caused disturbance to others, and the accused clearly appears to be the more aggressive party in this matter,” said the judge.
Endon was allowed to pay S$500 upfront, with the remaining balance to be settled in S$500 monthly instalments over seven months.
For voluntarily causing hurt, the law allows for up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of S$5,000, or both.
This case serves as a firm reminder that public altercations—especially those involving violence—carry serious legal consequences, no matter how trivial the trigger may appear.