Man who insulted teen allowed to continue riding MRT: Commuter

SINGAPORE - A man, who shouted at and threatened a teen onboard an MRT train, was allowed to continue riding the same train despite his disruptive behaviour, an eye-witness said on Facebook on Sunday.

The same eye-witness had recorded video footage of the man taunting a teenager who was wearing a T-shirt with the words "I'm F--king Special".

Another commuter could be seen standing up for the teen in the video. Identified only as Elfy, the commuter told the man to alight at Ang Mo Kio station, where several uniformed officers happened to be standing.

Since the video was uploaded on citizen journalism site Stomp, many netizens have praised Elfy for taking the initiative to stand up for the defenceless teen.

The contributor, Nabilah, said on Facebook on Sunday that the man who threatened the teen had spoken to police officers at the platform.

According to Nabilah, the officers did not watch the video she recorded and told the man to calm down.

"When we tried to show what actually happened as (proof), they refused to watch. They allowed the angry old man to take the same train together with us," she said.

Eventually, the man decided to walk away after the police left, she said.

Elfy also took to Facebook, explaining that he spoke up against the angry man because he believes in the need for respect among Singaporeans.

He also said that he was disappointed that the man was allowed to walk away.

"I am extremely disappointed with the officers," he said.

Elfy urged netizens not to judge one another based on skin colour.

"Be nice to different colour people (sic) so your day will be as beautiful as colour," he said.

"Singapore gets to grow when (its people are) good...Whoever is in trouble, we come and help. Whoever is successful, we come and applaud. So this is how we live, love amongst each other."

ljessica@sph.com.sg

ljessica@sph.com.sg