\n<\/p>\n
In 2025, the police received 164 reported cases of molestation on public transport, up from 158 in 2024. There were 48 reports of voyeurism in 2025, down from 69 the year before.<\/p>\n
These numbers may not reflect the true extent of sexual crimes occurring on public transport in Singapore. Experts told CNA TODAY that such crimes are often underreported\u00a0because victims fear making a scene, lack evidence, or worry about stigma, among other reasons.<\/p>\n
Jason said: “I also wondered whether I was overthinking it \u2013 that the uncle didn’t mean anything. Maybe it was really an accident, and it wasn’t (molestation).”<\/p>\n
His sentiment was echoed by other victims, who told CNA TODAY that in the immediate aftermath of being molested, they doubted what had happened to them.<\/p>\n
Aside from molestation and voyeurism, some victims recalled other forms of harassment that made them feel deeply uncomfortable.<\/p>\n
For example, Ms Chen, who declined to give her full name, has had men stare at her and take photos of her without her consent while on public transport.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I feel angry because it happens too many times, almost daily,” said the woman in her 20s, who also declined to reveal her occupation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“When I stare back at them, they often look or walk away. But some are blatant and just continue to stare at me. When it comes to non-consensual photography, there’s nothing I can do but ask them if they have taken my photo … of course, they’ll say ‘no’.”<\/p>\n
And for many victims, the impact of a sexual crime lingers long after the incident.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some said that years on, they still feel uncomfortable in crowded spaces, while others are extra vigilant when taking public transport. Several of those interviewed declined to be named, fearing public judgment.<\/p>\n
To explain why perpetrators commit such offences in the first place, and why they would choose public transport as the scene of the crime, experts pointed to both biological and environmental factors.<\/p>\n
Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim, head of the Global Security and Strategy Programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), said that risk factors such as childhood sexual abuse, substance abuse, having a preoccupation with sex, and hypersexuality \u2013 having frequent and high sexual urges or sexual activity \u2013 may contribute to the commission of sexual crimes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n