*You can read SPF's response to the video here*

There have been a series of upgrades to security checks recently in MRT stations.

Another security measure that is present in MRT stations are the random checks that take place from time to time.

This however might cause some discontentment from some who might be in a rush, or just feel hard-done by the checks.

Not your uncle

Here is an instance when that anger boils over.

In a video uploaded on July 9, 2019 by M Nordin to Complaint Singapore, a man is seen visibly frustrated at apparently being stopped by some TransCom officers.

Here it is.

[video width="220" height="400" mp4="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2019/07/Openbare-groep-COMPLAINT-SINGAPORE-Facebook.mp4"][/video]

Here's a rough translation to what the man is saying

"Man: What police... Don't talk to me. Go away, I don't want to see your face.

My blood pressure can go up seeing your face. You guys take a lot of Malay people sial.

I see you guys like shit, screening Malay people.

Not Malay, never screen. I'm wearing my uniform, doing my work, then you want to screen me.

Go screen the Chinese people, go screen them! What, where, where, where? Show me now. Show me now, screen him, screen him.

TransCom officer: You cannot force us like this.

Man: What force? Then you can force to stop me? I'm working now.

TransCom officer: Cik, we'll just go there for a while ok?

Man: Who you calling cik? I married your aunt is it? Faster walk, faster check!"

Cik is Malay for Mister, while Pak Cik refers to uncle.

We have reached out to the police for a statement.

Reactions

Comments on Reddit Singapore, where the video was also shared, drew quite the spectrum of responses.

Some spoke about their own encounters with random checks, and how they felt it was for certain reasons.

While others praised the calmness of the officers involved.

This is of course, not the first time someone has been angered over random checks.

No one likes being stopped for checks in the midst of travelling, but the checks aren't for nothing either.

Here is the reason why the spot checks are conducted, and how they are supposed to be conducted based on police procedures.

What does a spot-check entail?

According to the information booklet on police procedures, here’s what a spot-check entails:

“1. You should furnish your particulars when asked. While it is not an offence not to carry your identity card, if you furnish your particulars verbally, our officers may request for other documents carrying your photograph, such as your driving licence or work permit etc., to verify your identity.

2. Our officers may make routine enquires on why you are present at a particular location or where you are heading. Other questions may also be asked depending on the situation.

3. At times, our officers may request to check your belongings. Please allow them to do so and the check will be conducted in your presence. On completing the check, they will return your belongings to you.

4. You will be allowed to proceed on your journey once our officers have determined that everything is in order.”

Spot-checks are also “an essential part of the day-to-day policing done by our officers… to increase police presence, check suspicious persons, gather ground information, investigate offences and deter and detect crime”.

Image from Complaint Singapore

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