{"id":69046,"date":"2026-07-16T04:51:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T20:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=69046"},"modified":"2026-07-16T04:51:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T20:51:51","slug":"mrt-backpack-incident-sparks-heated-argument","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=69046","title":{"rendered":"MRT backpack incident sparks heated argument"},"content":{"rendered":"


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An argument broke out between two MRT commuters after one of them claimed that the other\u2019s backpack had brushed against him, with netizens divided over who was in the wrong.<\/p>\n

The almost five-minute video, recorded by the commuter carrying the backpack, was shared in Facebook group Complaint Singapore on July 13.<\/p>\n

The post was captioned: \u201cSomething wrong with him, simply trying to find quarrel with people. He squeezed into the tight space himself, then (turned) around and (complained) that people\u2019s bag touching him. Keep accusing others of \u2018playing victim\u2019 but he\u2019s the one looking for trouble. When challenged to go find MRT staff to settle, immediately say \u2018no need.\u201d<\/p>\n

The actual moment leading up to the dispute was not captured, with the video beginning as the aggrieved commuter attempts to snatch the other man\u2019s handphone.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop touching me, what is your problem?\u201d says the man recording the video.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI already mentioned to you \u2014 your bag,\u201d the other man replies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not your space, bro. You squeeze in and you start arguing with me, what is your problem?\u201d the man with the backpack responds.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the problem \u2014 your bag,\u201d the other insists. The video does not show how big the bag was.<\/p>\n

The agitated commuter also tells the other man that the vertical grab pole is not meant for passengers to hold and that he should be using the overhead hand grips instead.<\/p>\n

He also accuses the man of coughing without covering his mouth and, towards the end of the video, demands that he stop recording him<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The video is geotagged at Outram Park MRT Station<\/a>, and the green overhead hand grips indicate the incident happened on the East-West Line. However, no date or time was disclosed.<\/p>\n

The post has garnered more than 58,000 views, 540 reactions and 250 shares. It also had 103 comments before commenting was disabled.<\/p>\n

Was the backpack the problem?<\/h2>\n

Several netizens felt the more aggressive man had overreacted.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake private car la, if you have problems with other (people\u2019s bag),\u201d said a Facebook user.<\/p>\n

Another commented: \u201cAlamak MRT is public transport. If guy\u2019s backpack touch uncle oso wanna kbkb (grumble)… That uncle better go take Grab or taxi la, personal space for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Others praised the man filming the encounter for remaining calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cKudos to this guy. He kept his cool,\u201d said a netizen. \u201dBro, I salute your patience,\u201d another wrote.<\/p>\n

Not everyone agreed, however.<\/p>\n

Several commenters felt the man should have removed his backpack before boarding.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to take off your backpack and place it on the floor where you\u2019re standing. You keep bumping into people and provoking them. During peak hours, just leave your backpack on the floor,\u201d one advised.<\/p>\n

Another wrote: \u201cBoy, bags down la<\/a>… LTA (Land Transport Authority) strongly advise bags down to create space in the MRT to prevent hitting or brushing (against) other passengers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some commenters also made xenophobic remarks by speculating about the unhappy commuter\u2019s nationality, despite it being impossible to determine the commuter\u2019s nationality or race from the video alone.<\/p>\n

Others wished commuters wouldn\u2019t be so quarrelsome.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy argue over something so trivial. Just take a step back and don\u2019t waste time arguing. There are many more issues in our everyday life to take care of,\u201d one commenter wrote.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just another typical day in Singapore. Moving on,\u201d said another.<\/p>\n

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