Commuters on the East-West line had an unexpected travelling companion during the morning rush hour over the weekend. A viral video posted to Reddit on May 23 showed a rat scurrying across the floor of a moving MRT cabin. The rodent sighting, which reportedly occurred on route towards Chinese Garden Station, sparked a mix of alarm and amusement online. In the video, passengers can be seen lifting their feet and shuffling away as the rodent darted down a crowded carriage. Although SMRT staff were immediately alerted and the affected train was withdrawn from service upon reaching the next terminus for a deep clean and inspection. Here’s what we know.
What is SMRT doing about the rodent sighting on the train?
In response to the viral incident, SMRT has announced an aggressive escalation of its pest control protocols across the entire transit network. While train depots and underground tunnels are already subject to rigorous maintenance schedules, authorities are now deploying additional baiting stations, motion-sensor tracking, and non-toxic traps to pinpoint and seal potential entry points.
Additionally, SMRT is working closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to audit waste management facilities near above ground stations—which are the most common infiltration points for pests seeking shelter and food.
Meanwhile, environmental health experts note that while isolated incidents of rodents entering the train network happen occasionally due to the system’s proximity to urban food centres, strict hygiene measures are highly effective at preventing infestations.
To reassure the public, SMRT has pledged to increase the frequency of deep cleaning cycles for all active trains. Plus, authorities are using the MRT rodent sighting Singapore to remind commuters about the ban on consuming food and drink while travelling on the trains.
