Singapore – A group of sepak takraw players allege they were subjected to racial profiling and harassment by a woman while playing at a public court in Holland-Bukit Panjang, prompting a police visit and an ongoing review by the town council.
Ms Adriana reported the incident occurred on Oct 26, when the woman confronted the group, allegedly threatening to call the police and making stereotyping remarks. “We felt this treatment was discriminatory, especially as we were playing at a reasonable hour and had permission from the town council,” Ms Adriana told The New Paper (TNP). She stated she contacted the police immediately after the confrontation, feeling the situation had escalated.
Police arrived around 5pm and instructed the group to cease playing, stating the town council would investigate. The group formally raised the issue with the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council on Oct 27 and are currently awaiting a response. “There wasn’t a need to be racially profiling peopel of different races in this situation,” Ms Adriana said.
The New Paper has contacted the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council for comment.
This is not the first reported incident involving the same woman.Ms Adriana stated a friend was previously confronted in August for playing sepak takraw at the same court. The town council later clarified that signs posted were intended to prohibit pickleball, not sepak takraw, and asked the friend to refrain from using the court for approximately one month. The group also played sepak takraw at a Marsiling badminton court in September,between 7pm and 9pm,without incident.
A social media post detailing the Oct 26 incident has gone viral, receiving over 82,400 views and 6,300 likes as of press time. Numerous netizens have voiced support for the group, with one commenter stating, “We pride ourselves for our racial harmony. But ever so frequently, we hear these racist remarks being made.” Others shared similar experiences in other neighborhoods, including at a basketball court in Bukit Batok West Ave 6. Some residents highlighted the positive impact of such games on community life, with one bedok North resident noting that similar sessions are “welcomed” and “add more life to an or else quiet neighbourhood.”
