SITTING ON PARAPET WALLS IN MRT STATIONS (REVIEW OF OFFENCE)

Mr Chng Hee Kok asked the Minister for Communications if he will direct the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation to review the necessity of making it an offence to sit on parapet walls in MRT stations.

Mr Mah Bow Tan (for the Minister for Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, there are two reasons why the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) decided to prohibit sitting on the parapet walls; firstly, the safety of members of the public and, secondly, the need to ensure a free passage for passengers.

The parapet walls at MRT stations serve to prevent people from falling down the stairs, the escalators or the gaps in between such facilities. They are not a safe place to sit on. If someone should fall off the parapets, he would not only hurt himself but could seriously injure other commuters travelling on the escalators.

Furthermore, MRT stations are designed to serve high volumes of passenger traffic. Therefore, passage ways should be kept free-flowing at all times. Any unnecessary gathering of people or sitting on the parapets at the station will obstruct and slow down the flow of passenger traffic and cause inconvenience to commuters.

Mr Eugene Yap Giau Cheng: Sir, rather than making it an offence to sit on parapet walls, why does the MRTC not design the walls in such a way that one cannot sit on them?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the MRTC is now looking into suggestions similar to what the Member has put across just now.

Mr Chng Hee Kok: Sir, the Prime Minister has been quoted as saying that he will cause a review of Government policies which the people consider stifling. Since the general agreement among the public is that this rule is stifling, will the Minister of State cause a review of this particular rule?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The responsibility of the MRTC is, first and foremost, public safety. In this regard, I think it has taken all things into consideration and, as I said just now, it is looking into other measures. But this particular move that it has made has been made in the interest of public safety. I think in this case it has decided to err on the side of public safety and the Ministry supports its stand.

Mr Chng Hee Kok: Will the Minister of State confirm that this policy was not made because a gathering of teenagers at a MRT station is considered an eyesore?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Sir, I can confirm that that is not the reason for this particular policy of the MRTC. As I indicated, the paramount consideration is public safety and if the Member were to go down to the station and have a look, I think he will appreciate what I mean.