MRT security breach: Youth breaks into cabin

A video appearing to show a youth breaching the driver’s cabin of an MRT train using a screwdriver has raised concerns about rail security among netizens.

The nine-second clip shows what appears to be a teenager or young man forcing open the door of the driver’s cabin with a large screwdriver.

He then goes in, presses a button on the control panel that activates the train’s horn, before exiting and closing the door.

The video was shared on Instagram page @singaporevirallsg on June 29 with the caption, “trespass into train captain cabin”. It has so far garnered more than 279,000 views, 2,500 reactions and 130 comments.

Netizens alarmed by ‘dangerous’ act

Many netizens expressed concern over the apparent ease with which the individual gained access to the driver’s cabin.

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“Definitely criminal trespassing. His actions pose a security threat to the safety of the passengers. Should not be taking this lightly. His actions should be heavily dealt with,” said an Instagram user.

“Whoa…super dangerous,” another remarked.

Some wondered if the person was part of the train crew since he appeared to know where the horn was, while others pointed out that the button was clearly labelled. One suggested he might be a train enthusiast.

Another commenter claimed it had always been easy to get into the driver’s cabin: “After so long, they still don’t want to change the keyhole to the train cabin. It has always been so easy to open.”

And while someone suggested it was designed for a civilised society, an Instagrammer argued that rail security should take priority.

“I think the focus should be more towards security than to be civilised. Just like in an airplane, the doors are highly secure and cannot be opened that easily. Just because we have not experienced a hijacked train doesn’t mean we can take this security part for granted.”

Some noted that the passenger cabin appeared empty and speculated that it could have been a prank or that the person had insider access.

Several netizens also suggested the youth could face legal consequences, especially since his act was recorded and shared online.

“He’s looking for free accommodation at Changi, right?” one user quipped.

“Taking video while breaking the law, and uploading it. You might as well surrender yourself to the authorities,” another said.

Unauthorised entry into a train driver’s cabin or tampering with its emergency doors is a serious offence under the Rapid Transit Systems Regulations.

Conditional warnings given to two boys, aged 11 and 12

In response to Stomp’s queries, SMRT said the incident occurred on a North-South Line train on Feb 21.

The transport operator said the action of two boys, who were seen forcefully opening a cabin partition door at the rear of the train, triggered an onboard alarm.

The train captain at the front train cabin immediately alerted the Operations Control Centre, and station staff at the next station were dispatched to investigate. The boys alighted at the station, and SMRT subsequently confirmed the incident through CCTV footage before lodging a police report.

“We take a serious view of such incidents. Unauthorised access to restricted areas of our trains poses significant safety and security risks,” said SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai.

He added that such reckless actions could endanger those involved and disrupt train operations, affecting commuters.

The police confirmed that a report was lodged on Feb 21.

Upon completion of investigations, and after careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, the police, in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, administered conditional warnings to two boys, aged 11 and 12, for offences under the Rapid Transit Systems Regulations.

Editor’s note: This article was updated with a response from SMRT and the police.