On hot, sweltering days, we all would be reaching for our water bottles and gulp down a few mouthfuls of water to quench our thirst. But did you know that doing so at MRT platforms is actually an offense in Singapore?
A foreign student was nearly slapped with a hefty fine after he took a few sips of water at an MRT platform — a move which he didn’t know was illegal.
Nearly fined RM1,652 for drinking water at MRT platform
In a Facebook post shared on the page Singapore趣事馆, the student recounted how he was nearly issued a fine that amounted to S$500 (approx. RM1,652).
He wrote he was rushing for class and didn’t manage to drink water beforehand. Upon reaching the MRT platform, he took his water bottle out and took a sip of water when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
I turned around and saw it was an officer. As I remained stunned, the officer told me that I wasn’t allowed to drink water at the platform.
“I thought I was going get a fine, but the officer simply walked away to attend to something else. That was when I realised you can’t even drink water at the MRT platform.”
Divided reactions
The student’s post subsequently went viral on Facebook, sparking a debate among netizens over the matter.
Some praised the move, saying that having such strict rules in place what was enabled Singapore to be the clean, progressive country it is today.
On the other hand, some felt the rule was too harsh as it was just water, not sugary drinks that would attract ants and cockroaches.
Meanwhile, a netizen pointed out that a fine will only be given to those whom officers identify as repeat offenders.
Will I really get fined?
The short answer? A definite yes.
Under Singapore’s Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) Act of 1987, drinking any kind of liquid, including water, is prohibited inside MRT trains and at platforms.
If you’re caught breaking this rule, you face a fine of up to S$500. Unless you’re confident enough in thinking you can plead your way through and have the fine waived, the best method is to not consume any liquid at all.
So the next time you’re in Singapore, make sure you’re fully hydrated before taking the MRT train!
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