Butcher Who Was Online Shamed For Not Wearing Mask Actually Has High Blood Pressure & Breathing Difficulties

Often times, we are told not to judge a book by its cover. And in turn, we tell others not to judge a book by its cover.

Yet, just how often do we practice what we preach?

Just last month, a butcher was STOMPed for not wearing his mask properly, while working at a stall at Kopitiam Square in Sengkang.

Image: Stomp

The rest of the staff members, on the other hand, reportedly always have their masks on properly.

Subsequently, the butcher was counselled by the eatery chain and was issued a warning letter.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has also conducted an inspection of the stall and did not find any lapses.

At the time, Netizens also expressed outrage at the butcher’s act, with some berating him for his ‘thoughtless’ behaviour and others demanding for more costly action to be taken against him.

Several personal attacks were also launched against the butcher.

Image: Stomp

Butcher Who Was Online Shamed For Not Wearing Mask Actually Has High Blood Pressure & Breathing Difficulties

Despite the initial impression, however, it seems that there’s more going behind the scenes than previously thought.

According to Stompthe butcher in question has given his side of the story.

Identified as 37-year-old Wang Xiaobao by Shin Min Daily News, the butcher said that he has been on daily medication since September 2019, due to high blood pressure.

Due to his small working space, as well as breathing difficulties at work, he stated that he had no other choice but to pull down his mask to breathe.

He added that contrary to what one might think, he did not go without a mask all the time.

“It’s not that I am without a mask the whole time,” he said. “My work requires effort so I tend to experience breathing difficulties, but I will be more mindful in future.”

Apparently, many customers have also approached him after reading about him on Stomp.

Thankfully, they proved to be understanding after hearing his side of the story.

According to the report, Wang, who has been working his trade in Singapore for 10 years, said that he has always followed the rules.

He added that the incident has since affected his business, which saddens him.

Still On The Fence

Despite the revelation, Netizens are still on the fence in regards to the matter.

While some empathised with the butcher…

Image: Stomp
Image: Stomp

Others argued that it was not a valid excuse on his part.

Image: Stomp
Image: Stomp

One did, however, give a logical solution to the butcher’s problem.

Image: Stomp

Whether it works, though, is quite another thing altogether.

But enough of me and the Netizens…

What do you think?

Is the butcher 100% in the wrong here?

Or can he be afforded some leeway, with all things considered?

Please tell us in the comments section!