POHA Cases Against Commuters for Alleged Abuse of Public Transport Workers

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question 

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked the Acting Minister for Transport

a.          over the past five years, how many cases under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 is the Government aware of that have been filed against commuters for alleged abuse against our public transport workers; and

b.          of these, how many involved allegations of online harassment, such as doxing.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow: 

1.          From 2021 to 2025, there was an average of about 60 cases reported annually under the Protection from Harassment Act where a public transport worker was a victim of harassment by commuters while performing duties. We do not track the number of such cases that specifically involve allegations of online harassment.

2.          Under the Act, it is an offence to use any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a public transport worker. Commuters who contravene an offence under POHA may be liable upon conviction to fines and/or imprisonment.

3.          We take a zero-tolerance approach towards commuters who harass or abuse our public transport workers. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the public transport operators will work closely with the Singapore Police Force to investigate any reported incidents. We will also continue with public education efforts to remind commuters to treat public transport workers with respect.