Check Out the Mask Drama on the East‑West Line
Last week, a real-life “mask‑off” showdown erupted on the East‑West Line that has commuters talking. Think of a scene out of a sitcom—only it involved a real train, a public health rule, and a full‑on Mandarin rap battle.
The Incident
- When & Where: 7:53 pm on 15 June, heading toward Tuas Link.
- What Happened: A man kept his mask under his nose, ignoring the normal “mask on the nose and cheeks” policy.
- Who Played the Protagonist: A passenger—let’s call her “Mia” for privacy—volunteered her own video to keep the incident on record.
- The Confrontation: Mia politely told him, “Please, wear your mask.” The man replied, “Huh? What did you say?” and demanded he switch to Mandarin.
- Log‑No‑Skin: He asked: “Are you a police officer or a police dog?” Then dubbed the passenger a “busybody” and dared him to fight.
- Extra Drama: He also mocked other commuters, calling them “Phubber” for the obvious phone‑snubbing, all while refusing to address his mask hiccup.
- Exit: The saga ended when the man alighted at Clementi at 7:54 pm.
Mia’s Next Moves
After disembarking, she flagged the issue to SMRT staff and filed a police report. “He’s been hopping in and out of Clementi daily without a proper mask,” she told the crew.
SMRT’s Take‑away
Official Statement: SMRT said it’s “no stranger” to how mask‑ignorance can affect well‑being. They urged passengers to inform staff if they spot a “mask morose.”
Policy Reminder: We “strongly encourage commuters to mask up properly at all times and refrain from talking on public transport.” Good vibes only.
Police Perspective
- Ready Response: Police confirmed a report has been lodged and the investigation is underway.
- Possible Penalties: Under Covid‑19 rules, non‑maskers or poorly masked people can face a fine up to $10,000 and up to six months in jail.
What You Should Do
- Wear the mask above your nose and below your cheek for maximum coverage.
- Keep a polite distance—no need for a Mandarin rap battle.
- Report any suspicious or non‑compliant behaviour to staff or police.
In a world where we ride trains like we’re in a thriller film, a proper mask can save you from turning a routine commute into a headline.
