Two boys given conditional warnings after entering restricted MRT train cabin on SMRT service

Two boys who were filmed opening a restricted cabin partition door on an MRT train have been issued conditional warnings after police investigations into the incident.

The incident occurred on 21 February on a North-South Line train and resurfaced after a nine-second video circulated widely on social media over the weekend, prompting public concern over rail safety.

Restricted cabin accessed

In response to queries from Lianhe Zaobao on 30 June 2026, train operator SMRT said the video showed the two boys forcefully opening a cabin partition door at the rear of the train before entering a restricted area.

The clip, shared in Instagram account singaporevirallsg, appears to show the boys using a tool to open the door before pressing what appeared to be a white button on a control panel several times.

Police confirmed that a report was lodged on the day of the incident.

"Upon completion of investigations and after careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, the Police, in consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers, administered conditional warnings to the two male subjects, aged 11 and 12, for offences under the Rapid Transit System Regulations," the police said.

According to Zaobao, the two boys received their conditional warnings separately in late April and early May. The incident later attracted wider attention after the video was shared online.

SMRT outlines response

SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai said the train captain, who was stationed in the front cabin, was immediately alerted after the onboard alarm was triggered.

The train captain informed the Operations Control Centre, while station staff at the next station were mobilised to investigate. The boys had already alighted when the train arrived at that station, Lam said.

"We take a serious view of such incidents. Unauthorised access to restricted areas of our trains poses significant safety and security risks. Such reckless actions endanger those involved and may also disrupt train operations, affecting our commuters," Lam said.

In January, a teenager was sentenced to 18 months' probation for entering MRT tracks during operational hours and filming passing trains.

He had trespassed onto the tracks between Tanah Merah and Simei stations in March 2025 before uploading the footage to Instagram. He pleaded guilty to endangering railway safety and criminal trespass.