Incident Overview

SINGAPORE - The police are currently delving into an alarming incident involving a man caught on video urinating at the Tanah Merah MRT station. The disturbing footage surfaced on Instagram on January 13, captivating over 370,000 viewers as it highlighted a blatant disregard for public decency.

Details of the Incident

In the video, a man clad in a red shirt can be seen positioning himself at the edge of the platform before hastily zipping up his trousers and fleeing the scene after checking for onlookers. SMRT Trains president, Lam Sheau Kai, expressed strong disapproval of the act, labeling it “unacceptable” due to its detrimental effects on public spaces and potential health risks for commuters.

Police Response

“We have filed a police report, and we are fully cooperating with the police in their investigations,” Kai stated, emphasizing the serious implications of such behavior.

Previous Incident

Interestingly, this incident follows closely on the heels of another case involving a Chinese national, Li Guorui, aged 41, who was charged for urinating on an escalator handrail at the Outram Park MRT station. The predicaments highlight a growing concern regarding public cleanliness in Singapore’s transport systems.

Authorities' Actions

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed their awareness of Li’s incident following an online post showcasing his indiscretion near the escalator at Outram Park MRT station on January 10. In swift action, staff from SMRT and SBS Transit collaborated to clean the area, while SBS Transit promptly filed a police report.

Public Alertness and CCTV Usage

Moreover, a vigilant member of the public urged SMRT staff at a nearby Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) MRT station to utilize CCTV footage to identify this latest offender. However, SMRT pointed out that CCTV at the affected site belongs to SBS Transit, which operates the North East Line (NEL). A successful cross-agency effort led to the suspect's identification and subsequent arrest.

Commitment to Cleanliness

The LTA and transportation operators are taking a firm stand against such anti-social behavior. "These actions not only deface public spaces but also present serious health and sanitation concerns for all commuters," said an LTA spokesperson.

Conclusion

In light of these recent incidents, authorities are adamant about pushing for the maximum penalties against those found guilty of such disruptive actions, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of public transport systems in Singapore.