Chinese National Sentenced for Molestation at Singapore MRT Station

In a case that underscores Singapore’s strict stance on public safety, a Chinese national has been sentenced to three weeks in jail for molesting a woman at Serangoon MRT station. The incident, which occurred over seven years ago, came to a resolution on May 7, 2025, after the perpetrator, Zhang Yang, returned to the city-state and was arrested.

Details of the 2018 Incident

The offence took place on August 22, 2018, at Serangoon MRT station, a busy transit hub in Singapore. Zhang, then a 34-year-old construction worker, targeted a 21-year-old woman who was waiting for a train to Little India. According to court records, Zhang did not know the victim. As she walked along the platform, he approached her and brushed his arm against her shorts in an inappropriate manner. Alarmed, the woman moved to a more crowded area of the platform to avoid further contact.

However, Zhang persisted, following her closely and molesting her a second time within a minute of the first incident. Deputy Public Prosecutor Jordy Kay described the victim’s reaction in court, stating that she was “shocked and felt scared” by the encounters. CCTV footage presented during the trial showed Zhang pacing back and forth near the woman, repeatedly staring at her while she attempted to monitor his movements for her safety.

The harassment continued as they boarded the train. Zhang positioned himself near the victim, standing in front of her before taking a seat a few spaces away, all while turning to look at her repeatedly. Feeling threatened, the woman took the brave step of seeking help. She typed a note on her phone and showed it to a male passenger beside her, which read: “Can you help me? The man in the striped shirt sitting on the reserved seat on your left touched me twice and I think he’s following me.” The passenger offered to stay by her side until her stop, providing a measure of comfort in a distressing situation.

Zhang eventually alighted two to three stops after Serangoon, while the victim remained on the train. She later confided in her boyfriend and younger sister about the ordeal and filed a police report that same night.

Escape and Return

Following the incident, Zhang left Singapore shortly after as his work permit had expired. While court documents did not specify how authorities identified him, a police gazette was issued for his arrest. For over seven years, the case remained unresolved until Zhang re-entered Singapore on March 26, 2025. He was apprehended at Changi Airport upon arrival, though the reason for his return was not disclosed in court records.

During the investigation, Zhang initially claimed he did not recall the incident, even when confronted with CCTV footage. However, his stance shifted during the court hearing on May 7, 2025. Speaking through a Mandarin interpreter, he expressed remorse, stating he was “very remorseful” for his actions. He attributed his behavior to being drunk at the time but acknowledged that this did not excuse his conduct. He also pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibilities to care for his elderly parents and children, and noted that this was his first time in jail.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Kay countered that there was no evidence to support Zhang’s claim of intoxication. Moreover, Kay argued that even if true, intoxication would be considered an aggravating factor rather than a mitigating one in such a case.

Legal Outcome and Broader Implications

Zhang admitted to one count of outrage of modesty and was sentenced to three weeks in jail. A second similar charge was taken into consideration during sentencing. The resolution of this case, delayed by years due to Zhang’s departure from Singapore, highlights the city-state’s commitment to pursuing justice, even in cases where suspects leave the jurisdiction. It also serves as a reminder of the robust surveillance and legal mechanisms in place to protect public spaces like the MRT system, which millions of residents and visitors rely on daily.

The victim’s experience sheds light on the vulnerability some individuals face in public spaces and the importance of community support in such situations. Her decision to seek help from a fellow passenger and report the incident to the police likely played a crucial role in bringing Zhang to justice years later.

As Singapore continues to maintain its reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, cases like this prompt ongoing discussions about personal safety, public awareness, and the role of technology like CCTV in deterring and documenting crime. For now, the sentencing of Zhang Yang closes a chapter on a troubling incident, but it also leaves a lingering question about how such experiences shape perceptions of safety among the public.