A man who left his suitcase unattended at Hougang MRT station last month, sparking a security scare, has been charged with one count of causing public nuisance today. The man’s action led to the station’s closure for around two hours.
The accused man, Wang Jianpo, told the court he intends to plead guilty. On April 2, he had left a blue suitcase at the boarding platform of the station to go run an errand.
The luggage was discovered at around 2.40 pm that day and the station was shut shortly after for two hours. Passengers were told that there was a “security incident”, and that all North-East Line (NEL) trains would not stop at Hougang station.
However, after the suitcase was opened, it was found to contain mainly household items. These were found to be non-dangerous, said transport operator SBS Transit, which operates the NEL.
Wang was subsequently arrested at around 4.35pm that day, and was escorted out of the station some three hours later.
Wang could face a fine of up to SGD1,000. He will next appear in court on June 9.