A 17-year-old boy faced charges in court on 3 July 2025 for allegedly trespassing onto MRT tracks and recording a passing train.
The teenager was handed two charges and remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric assessment.
Teen Climbs Scaffolding to Access MRT Tracks During Operational Hours
The teenager allegedly climbed a scaffolding structure along Upper Changi Road at around 8.15pm on 27 Mar 2025. He accessed the MRT tracks between Simei and Tanah Merah stations during operational hours.
The boy cannot be named as he was only 16 years old when the alleged offences were committed. Individuals below 18 are protected under the Children and Young Persons Act.
He appeared in court via video link on 3 July 2025. District Judge Brenda Tan asked if his parents were present in court, but no one in the gallery responded. The judge asked if his parents had been informed of the charges, and he replied that he had called them.
The prosecution successfully applied for the teen to be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric evaluation.
SMRT Files Police Report After Social Media Video Surfaces
The case came to light after a video circulated on social media showing a train travelling on the MRT tracks.
The footage was taken in dimly lit conditions and showed a train passing by on a nearby track. The person filming later moved closer to the train before crossing the tracks.
SMRT confirmed the incident took place between Simei and Tanah Merah stations on the East-West Line. The train operator filed a police report in early June after the footage appeared on social media.
Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains, said the company took a serious view of the incident as track trespassing poses severe safety risks. He noted that such reckless actions not only endanger the individual but can also cause service disruptions, affecting many commuters.
The teenager was charged with criminal trespass and wilfully endangering the safety of passengers. He faces up to three months’ jail and/or a fine of up to S$1,500 for criminal trespass.
Those convicted of wilfully endangering the safety of railway passengers can be jailed for up to five years and/or fined up to S$10,000.
The case has been adjourned to 17 July 2025.
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