When a Bus Ride Turns into a Nightmare: How Singapore Is Tackling Outrage of Modesty
In September, Nora (she’s not her real name) was dreaming away on her regular bus trip when a stranger decided to join her in more ways than one. She woke up to find him pressing against her chest, sneaking an unsolicited “sweet” into her lap, and—get this—he lazed beside her the whole time without even trying to slip away. The situation left her stunned, unable to muster a reaction to the surprise violation.
Rising Numbers of Outrage of Modesty
- January‑to‑June: 832 reported cases—a jump of 147 from last year.
- Public transport incidents: 105, up 43.8% (32 more cases).
- Entertainment venues: 17 additional cases—a 37% rise.
These numbers paint a grim picture of how prevalent these indiscretions have become, driving a national conversation about safety and personal boundaries.
Nora’s Story
Nora, a 20‑year‑old data administrator, told The New Paper that the man didn’t just touch her casually; he also harassed her with intrusive questions— where she was headed, if she had a boyfriend—while she remained silent. He only stopped after she pretended to call someone, and let him off at the next stop.
She says that riding the bus used to be a simple way to get around, but after that incident, she can’t see it as a leisurely commute anymore. “I never felt unsafe before, but that day I felt in danger. I was scared—I never expected this to happen to me,” she said.
Community Response: Policing with a Smile
In August, the Singapore Police Force piloted volunteer patrols at MRT stations. Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteers—teams of seven—stopped by the Queenstown stations to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and distribute crime‑prevention brochures highlighting the rise in outrage of modesty cases on public transport.
With the success of this pilot, the police plan to involve over 700 COP groups islandwide, patrolling MRT stations once a month.
Long‑Term Impact on Victims
Stella (who chose to stay anonymous) is a regional enterprise sales manager at a software firm. She was molested on a train six years ago and once encountered a flasher at Hougang MRT station a decade earlier. Now, she’s hyper‑alert even when a stranger pops into her elevator—a “looks like a flasher? Whoops, better get a copy of self‑defence!”
Meanwhile, a National University of Singapore student faced charges after allegedly molested a woman at Serangoon MRT station. Under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code, outrage of modesty involves any assault or use of force intended to offend a person’s modesty— including inappropriate touching, pressing, and pinching.
Blaming the Victim: A Poisonous Habit
Despite shifts in public perception via #MeToo and #WhyIDidntReport, many still cast doubt on victims and even blame them. Nora, who pays close attention to Twitter discussions, found online voices criticizing her for her dress and saying she was “too alone” at night. She responded: “I wear a hijab and I was on a bus in broad daylight. The blame belongs to the men, not what women wear.”
A psychiatrist warned that society still views women as the weaker sex, enabling men to bully them. While victims should never be blamed, she stressed the importance of precautionary measures— avoiding risky areas at night, for instance.
Defending Themselves: Self‑Defence in Action
Women are taking a stand. They’re enrolling in self‑defence classes to empower themselves. Stella has been attending Kapap Academy since September, hoping to stay prepared for any future assault. “If it happens, it’s going to be a long time for you to forget it,” the instructors frequently remind when prepping for survival.
Madam Emily Tan (47) and her family joined the same academy. The older daughter travels by train directly to and from school, while the younger ones finish in a 15‑minute walk home. Tan says understanding how molesters might attack gives her peace of mind: “We can’t pick them up all the time. We expect them to know something about self‑defence.”
By arming themselves mentally and physically, these brave women can reclaim their sense of safety.
— The story was first published in The New Paper. Please obtain permission before reproducing.
