Bold Act of Recklessness: Guilty Plea as Man Admits to Testing Fate by Forcefully Opening Doors on Moving MRT Trains
In a bizarre series of incidents, Vanessa Wang Zi Qi, a 47-year-old individual, admitted guilt on Friday (Jan 5) to charges of public nuisance and voluntarily causing harm, all stemming from his peculiar desire to "test" the doors of MRT trains in Singapore. Over the course of two weeks, Wang repeatedly attempted to forcefully pull open the doors while onboard moving trains, creating a stir among commuters.
The unsettling episode, which unfolded on Nov 29 last year between Khatib and Yio Chu Kang stations on the North-South Line, saw Wang successfully creating a gap between the MRT doors during one such attempt. Commuters on board were understandably alarmed, urging him to desist and even approaching him to wait for the next stop. Undeterred, Wang persisted, continuing his antics at Yio Chu Kang station, prompting an unknown commuter to activate the emergency button.
The emergency signal reached senior station manager Foo Jee Yong, stationed at Yio Chu Kang MRT Station, who promptly investigated the matter with his colleagues. Commuters informed them about Wang's disruptive behavior. Despite being asked to leave the train, Wang adamantly refused, vociferously instructing the workers not to touch him.
As the train traveled towards Ang Mo Kio MRT Station, Wang escalated the situation by actively resisting the SMRT staff's attempts to handle the matter. His disruptive behavior included swinging his elbows on the moving train, creating a challenging situation for the concerned staff.
Wang now faces legal consequences for his actions, with sentencing scheduled for Jan 17. A mandatory treatment order suitability report will also be considered, potentially directing Wang to undergo psychiatric treatment instead of serving jail time. The peculiar incident gained public attention when a video of Wang, dressed in a skirt, attempting to pull open MRT doors went viral last month, leading to the legal proceedings initiated on Dec 7. The outcome of the trial will determine the appropriate measures to address Wang's unusual and disruptive conduct.
Amidst the unsettling incidents involving Vanessa Wang Zi Qi's disruptive behavior on MRT trains in Singapore, further details emerge, shedding light on the extent of his erratic actions. Not only did Wang persist in his attempts to thwart MRT doors, but his actions escalated to involve law enforcement and necessitated the intervention of multiple SMRT staff members.
Following the incident on the train between Khatib and Yio Chu Kang stations, Wang's behavior took an alarming turn. He called the police, claiming he was being forced to alight and requested to meet them at Bishan MRT Station. Senior station manager Mr. Foo attempted to engage with Wang, but the situation intensified as Wang resorted to kicking him in the leg multiple times.
Upon reaching Ang Mo Kio station, the disturbance prompted additional SMRT staff to board the train, employing "necessary force" to remove Wang due to his violent shouting and kicking. The ordeal continued as Wang laid down on the platform, refusing to budge, and proceeded to call the Singapore Civil Defence Force, asserting injury and seeking assistance. Commuters on board captured these distressing scenes on video, circulating them on social media platforms.
As investigations unfolded, it was revealed that Wang had engaged in similar disruptive behavior earlier on Nov 27 at Braddell MRT Station, where he forcefully pulled open train doors. Claiming the gap was wide enough for two to three people to walk through, Wang's actions drew alarm from fellow commuters, who documented the incident on social media.
Wang's plea of guilty to two public nuisance charges related to the Braddell station and Khatib-Yio Chu Kang station incidents, with an additional charge for the Yio Chu Kang station offense on Dec 1 being considered for sentencing, underscores the severity of his actions.
A report from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) dated Dec 20 the previous year disclosed Wang's diagnosis of gender dysphoria and bipolar disorder in 2019. The report noted a lack of follow-up sessions and treatment for two years, with Wang returning in January 2021 due to stress, at which point he was diagnosed with adjustment disorder. During the time of the offenses, Wang was in a hypomanic relapse of bipolar disorder, characterized by an elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and engagement in high-risk activities. Additionally, he is grappling with borderline personality disorder, further complicating the mental health aspects of this disturbing case.
According to Dr. Arvind Rajagopalan from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the report he prepared underscores the contributory link between Vanessa Wang Zi Qi's bipolar disorder and the disturbing offenses he committed. Wang's hypomanic state during the incidents likely impaired his judgment and impulse control, shedding light on the mental health factors at play in his disruptive behavior.
Dr. Arvind emphasized the importance of continued psychiatric treatment for Wang, recommending a combination of medications and psychotherapy in an outpatient setting. He emphasized that compliance with this treatment plan would significantly mitigate both the risk of harm to others and the likelihood of re-offending.
In the legal context, the severity of Wang's actions carries potential consequences. Voluntarily causing hurt could lead to imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to S$5,000, or a combination of both. Additionally, being found guilty of committing a public nuisance could result in a fine of up to S$2,000. The intersection of mental health considerations and legal repercussions underscores the complexity of addressing such cases, emphasizing the need for a balanced and comprehensive approach to ensure both public safety and the well-being of the individual involved.
In conclusion, the unsettling saga surrounding Vanessa Wang Zi Qi's disruptive behavior on Singapore's MRT trains reveals a complex interplay of mental health challenges and legal consequences. Driven by a hypomanic state linked to bipolar disorder, Wang's impaired judgment and impulse control were identified as contributing factors to his alarming actions.
The report from Dr. Arvind Rajagopalan at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) highlights the importance of ongoing psychiatric treatment, combining medications and psychotherapy in an outpatient setting. This comprehensive approach aims not only to address Wang's mental health needs but also to minimize the risk of harm to others and the potential for re-offending.
In the legal realm, the severity of Wang's offenses carries potential imprisonment and fines, reflecting the gravity of his actions. Voluntarily causing hurt could result in a three-year jail term, a fine of up to S$5,000, or a combination of both. Similarly, being found guilty of public nuisance could lead to a fine of up to S$2,000.
The case underscores the intricate balance required in addressing incidents where mental health intersects with legal implications. The goal is to ensure public safety while providing necessary support and treatment for individuals grappling with mental health challenges. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains essential to approach this complex situation with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering both individual recovery and community well-being.