Retiree Cautions About Women Requesting Free Meals at MRT Stations

Offering a meal to those in need is typically seen as a compassionate gesture, but one retiree in Singapore, Mr. Li, now feels he might have been misled after encountering several women requesting free meals.

Li shared that three months ago, he spent $28 on beef noodles and sides for two women who said they were from Xi’an, China, claiming they couldn’t afford food. When asked why he offered to help, Li explained that the women appeared to be struggling, and since they hadn’t asked for money directly, he felt it was reasonable to cover their meal.

Recently, however, Li encountered another pair of women near Bukit Gombak MRT station who also asked for a meal. Claiming they were tourists flying home the next day, they told Li they were out of money. When he suggested taking them to a nearby food stall for chicken rice, the women pointed to a fast-food restaurant, asking to eat there instead. After he declined, they requested drinks instead, and he ended up buying them two cans of juice for around $5.

Requests for “Living Expenses”
The women’s requests didn’t stop at the drinks, as they proceeded to ask for “living expenses,” which Li felt was inappropriate. Sensing a possible scam, he left the scene. Moments later, he saw them approach another man for a meal.

Other residents have reported similar incidents. Another retiree, Mr. Hong, encountered several women at Ang Mo Kio who repeatedly asked him for food. Initially, he provided some money, but after repeated requests and demands for more, he became suspicious. Hong noted that when he attempted to take a photo, one of the women quickly stopped him, leading him to believe they might be collaborating.

Police Investigation Underway
Peter Chee, a netizen, took to social media to warn others about these incidents. He recounted an experience at Yew Tee Point where a woman asked him for money, then requested more from an elderly man nearby. The incident has been reported to the police, who are currently investigating.

These repeated incidents have left some residents cautious about similar encounters, especially with foreigners asking for cash assistance in public areas.