Is Public Transport Becoming a Hunting Ground for Perverts?

A recent post on r/askSingapore raised an unsettling question—why are MRT stations now making public service announcements (PSAs) about voyeurism? The OP wondered:

"Really make me wonder, is it so rampant now in Singapore that we have to make a PSA over MRT stations speakers?" – trisfoojk91

If you've taken the MRT recently, you may have heard these warnings against voyeurism and molestation. While some commuters may brush it off, the responses to the thread suggest that the issue is very real—and possibly worse than we think.

How Bad Is It? Victims Speak Out

Many Singaporeans responded with firsthand accounts of harassment on public transport. Some were unlucky enough to experience it themselves, while others have seen disturbing behaviour in public spaces.

"Ask the Women Around You"

One of the top-voted comments pointed out that voyeurism and harassment on public transport happen more often than men realise.

"Yeah, it’s p bad. OP, I have a suggestion—next time you have the opportunity, ask the ladies around you if they’ve had any negative experiences with strangers on public transport. You’d be surprised how rampant and creepy perverts in SG can get." – weirdnawesome

Even OP, a guy, admitted that he takes precautions himself.

"Actually, I have my own fair share of experiences too lol, even as a guy I'm careful myself." – trisfoojk91

It’s Not Just Women—Men Get Targeted Too

Several male users also shared their own encounters with perverts, showing that no one is truly safe.

"Was peeing into a urinal at an MRT toilet when I noticed the uncle next to me facing me. I turned slightly and he gave me a lewd look while doing what was clearly a jacking-off motion with his right hand. I was stunned. Later, I saw him again and filmed him—he ran into a cubicle and locked himself in. Never saw him again after that." – Lostwhispers05

"Dude, I’ve been groped more than once and had at least one flasher. And I’m a guy." – Sir-Spork

Others have also been touched or harassed on trains.

"I've also been touched without consent on the train, so you're not alone on this." – Shipposting_Duck

Why Is This Happening?

1. More Cases Reported, But Many Still Go Unreported

According to news sources, nearly 4,000 cases of voyeurism and related offences are reported yearly. The real number is likely higher, given that many victims feel too embarrassed or unsafe to report incidents.

"Yes, very common. Nearly 4000 reported incidents a year, unknown number that goes unreported." – FitCranberry

Some ex-inmates have shared that many men in prison are there for sex crimes.

"Heard from a friend who was in jail in 2023 that it seemed a lot of men were in there for crimes against women—molestation, indecent behaviour, and the like." – Rubber_Ducky_6844

2. The Rise of Hidden Cameras and Upskirt Photos

One of the most common types of voyeurism in Singapore is hidden camera recordings, especially upskirt videos.

"I once saw a guy standing directly behind a woman on an escalator with no one else around. At first, I thought 'he not scared people think he pervert taking upskirt photos meh?' Then I realised he probably WAS doing it. I walked up to catch him, but he noticed me and quickly walked away." – Purpledragon84

This is a growing concern, especially since South Korea has already faced a massive problem with hidden cameras in public places.

"I hope it does not reach the extent of what South Korea has gone through with their hidden camera problem." – OkFudge7724

3. Voyeurism in Public Toilets

Besides public transport, MRT station toilets have also been mentioned as hotspots for perverts. Some hospitals have even installed mirrors inside toilet cubicles to deter hidden cameras.

"Even hospitals have started to put PSAs and mirrors in their toilet cubicles. It is wild." – Quince4170

4. Other Asian Cities Face the Same Problem

Singapore isn’t alone—voyeurism cases are also increasing in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

"Korea, Philippines and HK too, seems to be an issue in Asian countries for some reason." – SG_wormsblink

"Actually, I think it's more of a 'dense population countries with many people taking public transport' problem." – KoishiChan92

What Can Be Done?

1. Call Out Perverts Publicly

Many victims feel too shocked or scared to react when they experience voyeurism. However, some say that making a scene can scare off offenders.

"Lesson I took away is you have to put these people on blast and call them out loudly. These weirdos gamble that people won't bother making a scene. In my case, a good old 'Say hi to YouTube, uncle!' fixed my problem permanently. Never saw that guy again." – Lostwhispers05

2. More Awareness and Security Measures

While some find the MRT PSAs strange, others say they appreciate the reminders.

"I feel more relieved (and safer) when there is such an announcement. It raises awareness among the public. This is something many would not understand. If you had an encounter or near-encounter, you would appreciate the PSA greatly." – botzillan

Beyond PSAs, better security, more undercover officers, and harsher penalties might help reduce these cases.

3. Change How Society Treats These Offenders

One user pointed out that the risk vs. reward for voyeurism is ridiculous—offenders risk their jobs and futures for a cheap thrill.

"Don't get it. They are risking so much for such limited thrills. Plus, Singapore has CCTV everywhere—sure eventually get caught. If they are really desperate, Geylang is legal. Why sacrifice your job, future, and even freedom?" – rainprayer

Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Speak Up

Whether it's MRT PSAs, warning stickers, or increased CCTV monitoring, one thing is clear—voyeurism in Singapore is a serious issue. Women, men, and even teenagers are not safe from perverts in public spaces.

While authorities are trying to raise awareness, it’s also up to commuters to look out for each other. If you see something suspicious, report it, step in if safe, and let others know.