SMRT to intensify pest control after rat spotted on Singapore MRT train
A video showing a rat scurrying through an East-West Line train cabin has prompted SMRT to step up pest control measures at stations and depots. The rodent was eventually guided out when train doors opened at a station.
- A rat was filmed running through an East-West Line train cabin in Singapore.
- SMRT said rats may occasionally enter trains through platforms or track areas.
- The operator pledged to intensify pest control efforts at stations and depots.
Singapore train operator SMRT Corporation said it would intensify pest control measures at train stations and depots after a video showing a rat onboard an East-West Line train circulated widely on social media over the weekend.
The footage, which was shared on Reddit and other social media platforms, showed the rodent scurrying across the floor of a train cabin as passengers attempted to avoid it. An onboard announcement could be heard informing commuters that the train would be stopping at Chinese Garden station.
In the video, the rat darted under a row of seats as passengers recoiled and lifted their legs to avoid contact. The rodent later ran back towards the same group of commuters, causing several passengers to flinch.
At one point, a man stood up and approached the rat, which then sprinted beneath another row of seats. Passengers seated there also raised their feet as the animal moved through the cabin.
The rat was later seen dashing towards standing passengers, alarming commuters nearby. According to footage circulating online, two people appeared to attempt to corner the rat before eventually guiding it out of the cabin when the train doors opened at a station.
SMRT response
In response to media queries, SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai said the operator was aware of the online post regarding the rat sighting onboard the East-West Line train.
“Rats may occasionally enter trains through station platforms, track areas, undercarriage gaps, or gangways between train cars,” Lam said on 24 May.
He added that trains are “thoroughly cleaned daily” at depots at the end of passenger service as part of SMRT’s regular maintenance regime.
Lam said SMRT teams would nevertheless step up pest control measures at stations and depots following the incident.
SMRT also reminded commuters not to eat or drink on trains and at MRT stations, saying food remnants could attract rats and other pests.
“We thank commuters for your understanding,” Lam said.
