As the train is crowded, she has to stand all the way until her destination. Even though MRT trains have designated seats close to the door for the pregnant, disabled and elderly, they are often occupied by people who do not belong to any of the above. They would pretend to be sleeping or they would avoid eye-contact so that they do not have to give up their seats to people who need them more.

I urge the authorities to make it mandatory that these seats be used only by people belonging to the above category, similar to the concept of parking lots in carparks for disabled persons. Anyone who does not belong to the above category caught occupying the seat will be liable to a fine of $500.

This may seem a bit harsh but the reality is that kiasuism has made Singapore an ungracious society and only a stick approach can make the people realise that there are others who may need the seat more than them.

David Teong Lang Hin