SINGAPORE: An unsettling incident on the MRT has caught the attention of many after a woman took to social media, expressing her distress after being filmed and verbally harassed by a man for sitting in a reserved seat.

In her post on the popular r/askSingapore subreddit, the woman recounted feeling extremely ill that morning, plagued by low blood sugar and severe menstrual cramps. She described her condition: “I felt super nauseous. It was the first day of my period and the pain was unbearable. With no available seats, I had no choice but to occupy the reserved seat.”

Despite her obvious distress, an elderly man standing near her began filming her and shouted provocatively, “Can you read English?” The woman attempted to explain her situation politely, stating that she was unwell and unable to stand, but the man continued recording, even threatening to share the footage online.

She clarified her position, saying, “I’ve always offered my seat to those who need it, and I recognize the importance of reserved seating for the elderly, injured, and pregnant individuals.” Frustrated by the encounter, she expressed, “It’s very upsetting to deal with this when I genuinely need the seat.”

The online community rallied to support her, with numerous Singaporean Redditors emphasizing her right to occupy the reserved seat under her circumstances. One user responded, “Don’t stress about it… these older folks can be overzealous about reserved seats. If you need a seat, just take it.”

Another fellow Redditor noted, “Reserved seats are indeed designated for anyone in need, regardless of age. I do the same when I’m in pain due to my period; it’s about understanding each other’s situations.” Several commenters condemned the man’s behavior, labeling him as inconsiderate, and suggested he could have asked someone else for a seat instead.

This incident has sparked broader discussions about respect and empathy for those with “invisible illnesses” on public transport. In a related note, another survivor shared her distressing experience of being kicked by an elderly passenger demanding her seat despite her visible need due to cancer.

As public transport users, we need to foster a culture of understanding and compassion. It's a reminder that everyone has their battles, and a little kindness goes a long way! So the next time you see someone in distress, think twice before jumping to conclusions. Would you dare to do the same?