A video showing a rat running inside an SMRT East-West Line train cabin circulated online on May 23, prompting concern among commuters [1, 2]. SMRT confirmed the sighting in media responses the following day. President Lam Sheau Kai stated, "SMRT is aware of a post online about a rat sighting onboard one of our trains on the East-West Line" [3].
Lam explained that rats may occasionally enter trains through station platforms, track areas, undercarriage gaps, or gangways between train cars [1]. He added that SMRT trains undergo thorough cleaning at the depot after passenger service every day as part of regular maintenance [3].
In response to the incident, SMRT announced it will step up pest control measures at its train stations and depots to prevent further occurrences [1, 3, 2]. The company also reminded passengers not to eat or drink on trains or in stations to avoid attracting rats and other pests [1, 3, 2].
SMRT reiterated its awareness of the issue in a May 25 statement to Channel News Asia, reaffirming its commitment to enhanced pest control [3, 2].
