L
lauhunku
Guest
Dec 2, 2010
$500 fine for PDA
By Shivali Nayak, Multimedia Journalist
PUBLIC displays of affection (PDAs) often happen on buses and the MRT here. But did you know it can land you a fine? Here's how: If you are found to be a nuisance or annoyance on the train, SMRT says you can be fined up to $500. This was one of the hot topics being discussed on citizen journalism website STOMP this week.
STOMPer Rachel contributed the video of a couple kissing passionately on the MRT, which was making other commuters uncomfortable. She emailed SMRT about the incident and this was SMRT's response: 'Under the Rapid Transit Systems Act, Section 17 on 'Passenger not to cause nuisance': No one shall conduct himself on any train or in any part of the railway premises so as to cause nuisance or annoyance to other passengers.' Anyone who does so can be fined up to $500.
STOMPers were divided on the issue. One STOMPer kopisewdai remarked: 'It is difficult to prove what is considered as nuisance or annoyance as eye witnesses might differ in their opinions.' Other incidences raising eyebrows were the presence of young girls distributing sexy calenders for wetwettoys, an online retailer of adult toys, and a Singapore Pools booth at Sitex, an annual IT fair that took place last weekend.
Many were concerned over the level of family friendliness of the event.
STOMPer Jimmy was very displeased with the young girls bearing advertising boards, while STOMPer Pang expressed concern when he saw a young child with her parents at the Singapore Pools booth.
