SMRT has lodged a police report after a viral video showed one of its staff allegedly involved in an altercation with a motorised-wheelchair-bound elderly man. The confrontation reportedly took place at the Bugis MRT station.
According to SMRT, the staff in question was doing his routine rounds when he came across the elderly man. He notified the elderly man that it was not permissible for him to peddle his wares there.
This riled up the elderly man, who was seen in the video subsequently charging at the staff member using his motorised wheelchair.
SMRT highlighted that it will report any form of abuse to its staff members, to the relevant authorities.
It is vitally important that public transport workers are protected from abuse, in order for them to carry out their duties without any fear. People who abuse public transport workers should be reported to the authorities.
However, for this particular case, is such a step justified, or necessary? The man, as witnessed in the video, is elderly and wheelchair bound. He appears to be struggling to make a living.
His circumstances may have led him down this path. He needs help.
Instead of reporting the police, SMRT can alert social or welfare organisations who may have the experise to help the man.
