Embarrassed by luggage check at Tanah Merah MRT station
-
May 18, 2010 - ST Forum
Embarrassed by luggage check at MRT station
ON MARCH 25 at about 8am, my family and I were taking the MRT to the airport for an overseas trip.
At the Tanah Merah station, a security officer approached us and said that he had to check our luggage; we had five in total. He asked us to open two in full view of the morning crowd. My family and I were so embarrassed.
There were others with luggage who were not stopped, why were we picked?
We had five bags with us, the officer checked only two. We could not understand the rationale.
Also, why is it that when our suitcase was opened, the security officer took only a cursory look?
If SMRT is really serious about performing security checks on its passengers, it should install luggage screening machines like those at airports.
Alan Kiong
-
I have heard of people saying the reason why the Changi Airport branch line was created instead of a through train is because
1: As officially stated, lack of passengers
2: Actually, is to arrest / stop potential suspects in TNM instead of CGA, it would be useful if these people are heading towards the city (Added a security layer while transferring the train)
Yes, the police tends not to arrest people on the spot, but on the highway nearby since I have witnessed a supposedly drug trafficking in many years ago. (Which is Ulu and causes less disruption / save from embrassing scene) -
for me, I only encountered once for bag check which was at bugis mrt..
there was a camera in my bag at that time & luckily the TSO didn't insist to see the contents in it.. -
well, when we have orchard mrt as a target for terrorists, sich embarassment cannot be helped.
-
Next time take taxi to Airport, if you think such checks embarrass you. Its better to be safe than sorry.
-
Originally posted by ahtansh:
Next time take taxi to Airport, if you think such checks embarrass you. Its better to be safe than sorry.
-
why embarrassed?
Wat's inside the luggage??
It's not like ppl opened up the luggages and vibrators and dildo fall out...
-
I don know why the SO wants to check their luggage. It's not like they're carrying any illegal stuff in there.
-
Originally posted by Kawac151:
I don know why the SO wants to check their luggage. It's not like they're carrying any illegal stuff in there.
random checks i think... no harm ma... -
Originally posted by ^Acid^ aka s|aO^eH~:
random checks i think... no harm ma...may be the family look secretive.
-
A terrorist doesn't have a label tattoed on its forehead, do they?
-
Originally posted by Kawac151:
I don know why the SO wants to check their luggage. It's not like they're carrying any illegal stuff in there.
Unlike you, the SO no super powers,can tell that they never carry illegal stuff without checking.
-
Originally posted by Kawac151:
I don know why the SO wants to check their luggage. It's not like they're carrying any illegal stuff in there.
you can't blame there as it's their job..
-
Jun 2, 2010 - ST Forum
Security personnel reminded to be courteous
WE ARE sorry to hear of Mr Alan Kiong's experience at Tanah Merah MRT station ("Embarrassed by luggage check at MRT station"; May 18).
The primary role of security personnel in our MRT stations is to look out for suspicious people or activity, as well as conduct random bag checks and regular patrols. All of them are trained to conduct bag checks in a professional and non-intimidating manner.
Following Mr Kiong's feedback, we have reminded the security personnel to be professional and courteous when performing checks.
Mr Kiong suggested installing luggage-screening machines similar to those found at the airports. We have considered the suggestion, but find it unfeasible to implement because of the heavy volume of passengers who pass through the fare gates daily.
As luggage-screening machines detect any form of metal, they will beep very often when passengers holding on to keys or wearing metal watches pass through the machines. Any beep will require a secondary check by staff, and this will quickly cause a bottleneck at the fare gates, especially during peak hour.
We seek the cooperation of Mr Kiong and other passengers to allow security personnel to perform their duties which enhance security within the system.
Nicole Batchelor (Ms)
Manager, Corporate Marketing and Communications
SMRT Corporation
-
Next time someone asks to check your bags or give bad service, say these eternal words :
"If I were a white man, would you ____________________ ask to check my bags?"
-
Next time when you strike lottery, ask yourself.... AHH WHY ME ???? :(
-
kranji mrt also got
alot from woodlands checkpoint take 170 stop at there.
-
Originally posted by TTFU:
Next time when you strike lottery, ask yourself.... AHH WHY ME ???? :(
-
If I am being asked to open up my luggage and my train is fast approaching the station, I will bolt for the approaching train instead. what can the security officer do to me? run after me and catch me lol? if he ever do that, I will lose my rag and blast him for missing my train and make a big at him for wasting my time lol
-
if a terrorist were stopped by these non armed uncle and auntie, what will the uncle and auntie do? try to catch the terrorist and arrest him? probably scream and run off towards the station control.
-
anyway SMRT should employ armed security officers like Aetos or Cisco security guards. I know costs is a consideration, but seriously how do you expect an uncle and auntie to do for their security?
-
Ride in comfort....
take a taxi...
It is the duty of the control officers to check on luggages (since there are many recent terrorist attacks on sub-way trains)...
Taxi drivers will not ask you to open your luggages (for checking) for sure...
spend so much on air-tickets already.. wat is another S$7-8 from Tanah Merah area ?
-
If didn't stop you for checks, you are an unknown factor with five luggage.
Stop and check, after two bags, can be seen you are clear of suspicion or, are a very good actor.