By Sia Ling Xin

AFEW weeks ago, I gave up my seat on an MRT train to a man pushing a pram. After settling down, he promptly whipped out a set of clippers and started clipping his facial hair.

He then sprinkled them on the floor right in front of my feet.

Repelled by his unsanitary act, I started thinking about the rules against eating and drinking on MRT trains.

Transport Minister Raymond Lim said that such rules are meant to "ensure cleanliness and hygiene on the trains and stations for the benefit of all passengers".

I am more indignant than relieved about the implementation of such rules.

What they mean for me, a daily train commuter, is that right before I pass through the electronic barriers in an MRT station, I have to take a swig of water from my water bottle, lest I get thirsty yet am barred from consuming even water during my 30-minute trip to the office.

With MRT staff on the lookout for such "misbehaviour", I do not dare to even enjoy a piece of candy discreetly.

I agree that such strict measures are necessary for a cleaner environment.

But it does not make sense to me that other unhygienic acts, which similarly result in a lack of cleanliness, are not being curbed.

For instance, noses are picked, nails are cut and facial hair gets clipped - with all the by-products left scattered on the train.

Such acts are a common sight for regular train commuters like me and, even then, they remain a sight to behold - or to gag at.

Don't even get me started on phlegm or secretions from popped pimples rubbed onto seats and windows.

Such behaviour and its remnants are truly much more horrific than water being spilt.

After all, I drink water but I have never considered tasting boogers.

I suppose the rationale is that the mess caused by a water puddle, or a foil wrapper stained with chocolate, is more
obvious than facial hair or nail clippings littering the cabins.

But these tiny pieces of filth that go unnoticed do get left behind.

Here's a scary thought: All of us might already have come into contact with someone else's mucus or keratin.

Unless one has witnessed such filth being squished between fingers, smeared onto seats or littered on floors, who would know of their presence? Horrifying? Yes. Not only are they abhorrent for commuters, but they also mar Singapore's image of being clean and green.

Ultimately, tighter rules to keep the trains clean should include more than just curbs on eating and drinking.

They should extend to cover all unhygienic acts, no matter how minuscule the impact of the behaviour seems to be.

Fines issued by staff patrolling the stations might do the trick.

So, "No Leaving Bits Of You Behind" signs, anyone?

myp@sph.com.sg

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