Commuter stands up to man who threatened teen on MRT train

SINGAPORE - A brave commuter is receiving praise online for coming to the aid of a teen who was being yelled at in an MRT train.

According to citizen journalism website Stomp, the teen was dressed in a T-shirt which said: "I'm F--king Special".

Irked by the T-shirt's message, an older man decided to tell the teen off in the crowded train. The man, whose identity is unknown, shouted at the teen and challenged him to a fight. He also threatened to throw the teen out of the train.

Stomp contributor Nabilah said that the teen remained silent and did not respond to the man.

She recorded the incident on video and sent the footage to Stomp.

"It was not a good day for everyone due to the MRT breakdown and the train was very packed," she said.

"Suddenly, a man in blue shirt came in the train (and) shouted and threatened (the) teen asking if he wanted to fight."

Just as the man was about to approach the teen, another commuter by the name of Elfy decided to step in and put a stop to the man's antics.

He told the man to get out of the train, and told him to stop shouting at the teen.

When the man tried to argue back, Elfy told him that the teen's choice of clothing was not his problem.

"Don't anyhow scold people," Elfy said, as other commuters urged the man to leave the train.

The man then walked out of the train and approached several uniformed officers who were at the platform.

Nabilah told Stomp that she was glad someone was brave enough to stand up to the man, and praised Elfy for stepping up.

She told Stomp: "I am proud there is someone who actually (stands) up for others! Great job Elfy!"

ljessica@sph.com.sg