Court sends strong signal against sexual harassment involving minors on public transport
Public transport is meant to be a safe space, yet isolated actions can quickly turn routine commutes into distressing experiences. A recent court ruling in Singapore highlights how even seemingly brief encounters can carry serious legal consequences when boundaries are crossed.
Incident on the Thomson-East Coast Line
A 26-year-old Singaporean man, Tan Tee Yong, was sentenced to 12 days’ jail on Wednesday, Jan 28, for insulting the modesty of a teenage girl on an MRT train. The incident occurred during the morning rush hour on Apr 30, 2024, along the Thomson-East Coast Line, a busy route used daily by students and working adults.
Targeting a Minor During Morning Commute
Court documents revealed that the 16-year-old victim, a polytechnic student, boarded the train at Outram MRT station en route to Woodlands North. At around 7.50am, Tan entered the same carriage at Caldecott MRT station and deliberately took an empty seat beside her, despite ample space elsewhere.
Pre-Written Lewd Message Shown on Phone
Tan then displayed a pre-written note on his mobile phone, which included phrases such as “I like you,” “Will you be with me?” “Hold my hand,” along with a sexually explicit statement. He held the phone openly for the girl to read, without any verbal exchange. Disturbed by the message, the victim immediately moved away from him.
Swift Reporting and Police Action
Tan exited the train at Springleaf MRT station, while the victim reported the incident to station staff shortly afterward. She later lodged a police report, describing the offender as a man in his 30s. Investigations linked Tan to a second, similar incident involving another teenage girl on the same MRT line days earlier. That charge was taken into consideration during sentencing.
Court Weighs Aggravating Factors
Prosecutors sought a jail term of between 12 and 17 days, highlighting two key aggravating factors: the offence occurred in a public transport setting, and the victim was a minor. Although Tan had no prior convictions, the court emphasized that public settings and vulnerable victims warranted custodial punishment.
Legal Consequences and Defense Argument
Tan pleaded guilty to one count of insulting modesty. His lawyer acknowledged the wrongdoing but argued that Tan failed to fully grasp the seriousness of his actions. Under Singapore law, insulting a person’s modesty carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, a fine, or both.
The case underscores Singapore’s firm stance against sexual harassment, especially when it involves minors and public spaces. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, the ruling serves as a reminder that inappropriate conduct, even without physical contact, is treated seriously under the law and that public transport safety remains a shared responsibility.
Sources: Mothership (2026) , CNA (2026)
Keywords: Singapore MRT Case, Sexual Harassment Singapore, Insult Modesty Law, Public Transport Safety
