'Public nuisance' or well-deserved break? Foreign workers' dance party divides netizens

A spontaneous dance jam by a group of foreign workers outside Paya Lebar MRT has gone viral on TikTok, sparking both criticism and support from netizens.

The 13-second clip, uploaded by TikTok user taufikul.islam8 on Sept 12, shows several foreign workers dancing energetically in an open space outside Paya Lebar MRT station.

Some sat around the stone benches, while others dance freely as music blared from a speaker on the ground, accompanied by excited cheers.

While curious passers-by glanced over at the lively scene, most walked past seemingly unbothered.

The video has since racked up more than 338,200 views and 3,100 likes at press time.

Netizens react negatively

Many netizens expressed outrage at the gathering, calling it a "nuisance", "disgrace", "unlawful gathering", and "embarrassing".

Criticism was largely aimed at the group's loud music and rowdy behaviour. One comment read: "More than 100% public annoyance… Blasting music, shouting, dancing, making Paya Lebar an eyesore. Yet the authorities do nothing."

Others called for stricter enforcement, citing concerns about the growing number of foreign workers gathering in public spaces and what they felt was a perceived decline in social norms.

One netizen posed a pointed question: "Government and some organisations keep on saying these overseas workers have no place to enjoy so it's alright. Also creating space for them. What about ourselves?"

"Singapore will soon become a foreign country, not Singaporean," another lamented.

A number of netizens also claimed such gatherings are becoming more common, with one saying: "This is why my friend moved out from PLQ condo. He told me weekends are always a nightmare."

Migrant worker charity founder urges compassion and inclusion

In response to queries from The New Paper, Ms Dipa Swaminathan, founder of charity ItsRainingRaincoats, said that migrant workers deserve the space to unwind.

"Many of them earn a basic wage of $18 a day. They can't afford to go to a fancy pub and order a drink. They probably wouldn't even be welcome in such establishments," she said.

Ms Swaminathan stressed that these workers often do not have the space to relax, given tight living conditions in dormitories and the physically demanding nature of their work.

"When they do something heroic, we're all for celebrating them. These are the same people who are also human and would like to have a little fun once in a rare while," she added.

She called for a key mindset shift towards "acceptance, gratitude and compassion" for migrant workers, noting the importance of acknowledging their contributions to society and treating them with equal respect.

Other netizens defend foreign workers' right to relax

Many netizens agreed, urging others to "let them be happy".

"Good to see these foreign workers enjoy themselves", one wrote, while another noted that this might be their only rest day.

Several added that the workers did not appear to be disturbing anyone.

"They're also human. Let them enjoy their off day," one user remarked.

TNP has reached out to taufikul.islam8, TWC2, and Paya Lebar Square for comment. SingPost has declined to comment.

Editor's note: This article was updated to include more details.