Jacky Wu Apologises Eating Ice Cream At Taoyuan Airport MRT Station After Returning From S'pore

Those in Singapore know that eating in train stations is an absolute no-no. But here's a reminder that the same rule applies in Taiwan too.

Recently, Taiwanese host Jacky Wu was caught eating an ice cream cone at the Taoyuan Airport MRT station after returning to Taiwan from Singapore on July 21, where he was spotted at a pasar malam in Clementi. 

After the incident went viral, the 63-year-old admitted it was an unintentional oversight, and explained in an interview that he had no intention of breaking the rules. 

After getting off the plane, he and three companions were rushing to another terminal to pick up their car. 

Along the way, he bought an ice cream, not realising that he had already entered the Airport MRT's no-eating zone.

To make matters worse, none of the people travelling with him pointed it out, so he continued eating the ice cream as he walked.

"I happened to buy an ice cream on the way and, being unfamiliar with the rules, just started eating it," he said.

In response, the Taoyuan Metro Corporation said Jacky immediately threw away the ice cream after station staff informed him of the no-eating rule.

The company also reminded the public that passengers who repeatedly refuse to comply with the rules may face fines of up to NT$7500 (approximately S$300).

It reiterated that eating and drinking are prohibited throughout the entire Airport MRT system to keep stations clean and comfortable.

If station staff find passengers eating or drinking in restricted areas, they will first issue a verbal reminder. 

However, those who repeatedly refuse to comply may be fined between NT$1500 and NT$7500 (approximately S$60 to S$300) under Article 50 of Taiwan's Mass Rapid Transit Act.

In comparison, commuters caught eating or drinking in MRT stations or on trains in  Singapore can be fined up to S$500.