Singapore’s mysterious ‘drain walkers’ | THE BIG STORY | The Straits Times

Senior correspondent Zaihan Mohamed Yusof talks about his investigative piece on uncovering a network of canals used by suspected illegal immigrants that leads to their hideouts.
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[@AR-ek1jr]

Oh shit, now soldiers have to do training the drains too.

[@cloroxbleach9222]

what's the difference between trenches and drains tbh

[@AR-ek1jr]

@@cloroxbleach9222 hahaha true that!

[@aswaltan8962]

We are still sleeping 😴 💤

[@yeezeey4037]

They can survive here means they are employed. Cheapo bosses who want cheap labour hires these people. Find out the employers also and slap heavy fines and jail time. Do something SPF!

[@brysonszy6306]

Not true. Someone else claimed that these people are likely contraband smugglers, as the "someone" had previously been a customer. This is likely as it would then make sense why they would have to hide away from the public eye and not get caught. If they were legally employed, they would not have to go into hiding in the forested areas.

[@megascizor8275]

Shut up please

[@emptyangel]

Why haven't the police been roped into this mess?

[@darthvader4345]

Bcoz the police are too busy wasting time checking n stopping passersby at the MRT or BUS INTERCHANGE 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lagoonz28]

Pennywise lurking in the drains

[@matthiasthong3570]

i think as responsible residents or citizens you do not want to risk your child's or daughter's or young lady joggers or hikers and we must inform the authority to deal with them swiftly as i believe there are loop holes leading to smuggling or other illegal activities in their hideouts. Please please do something about them

[@Zohar-Modifier]

Many Citizens had reported to the police regard to this They would sneak into HDB corridors to steal sneakers slippers clothings etc ... the police cant catch a single soul till now after years ... They always hang out in gang like 4-6 or even more ... waiting for a Female to be rape first then the police ICA might do something ... If im not wrong police cant enter jungle forest etc for SPF thats the case therefore every shit that requires bashing into jungle they will ask the army to do so ... The police got more aircon time but physical or combat fitness are horrible ... even a army recruit might be about as good in physical to the SPF aircon do paper work mostly admin clerk SPF... Their TP even best always hide and snap picture ... u could see them chill and relax under bridges ... There is even convoy dropping something to those gang along expressway ... whether vans or bikes drop them stuff and they will pick it and proceed to their hideout ... Intel says its cigarette or mayb plants use as material for drug . Sit aircon more :) get paid too monthly on time :) They prefer the easy job like raiding some hotel housing places on drugs and prostitute yet the Tanglin drug factory still haven't raid even for years ... mayb its because high profile embassy are using drug during their party and the people on power just doesn't want to do anything to their embassy friends ... mayb becus embassy is restricted therefore as they are happy to do illegal stuff within their compound then:) More than 2 yrs SPF ICA sit out :) we got too much bugs in aircon office :) Kindly wait out

[@ilhandaanish2381]

Zohar Modifier problem is we don’t know where their hideouts are a lady could get kidnaped and be raped in their hideout and if the lady living alone it might take a while for someone to notice and inform police but by the time they report she could have been raped many times

[@sohsweegim704]

Good job. The Straits times reporter! Thank you!

[@tbinmdable]

If the reporter able to spot them, the police and the home team should do more than the reporter. It happen also in Tampines drain where illegal from myanmar settle in the drain. No respect for the authority if only local and citizen be blame for most of the lapse here.

[@bouutiquems3578]

All that trash and furniture and especially mattresses will cause problems during flash floods. Dengue breeding ground as well.

[@ccchhhiiibbbiii]

Dudes: Eyyy bro lets do like the western camping survival style. Police: sup mengs Dudes: OMG tax ppl! Run!

[@aidadomino114]

My husband work in singapore he told me that there is also illegal chinesse worker in singapore. When he was assigned to visit a factory in jurong he saw some worker inside a room at the back of factory, they are afraid of him and they run but still inside the factory premises. He ask one of the filipino worker why the china man are running and afraid, the guy said they are illegal worker meaning no work permit. They work illegaly. They work in the factory with very low wages because they have no work permit

[@odechan9659]

Drain walkers sounds like white walkers from game of thrones... Use drones to trace them safer?

[@mohamedfarvez4026]

Man you're right

[@eisenklad]

most of the drains they go in are parts with heavy vegetation/tree cover, flying drones arent suitable. maybe a amphibious drone that hovers on the drain floor/on the water?

[@fazfaz1682]

So many police officer at MRT station never assign walk here?

[@darthvader4345]

They're assigned to do unrealistic job...making n creating scene at MRT OR BUS INTERCHANGE by stopping any passesby that look suspicious which i think is really stupid at times & taking a free MRT ride from one station to the next station & that's the best they can do...no wonder now too many overstay illegal immigrants in singapore..bcoz they're the 😴😴😴😴😴 force.

[@x3y3z3k]

How are they even able to get mattresses into the woods?.

[@namesomething1dk]

Men

[@jacklol1834]

This should not happen in SG. The police and ICA must do something. These people can commit multiple crimes against Singaporeans and go untraceable. As a Singaporean, I implore implore MHA to take immediate and serious actions. Thank you

[@Zohar-Modifier]

Many Citizens had reported to the police regard to this They would sneak into HDB corridors to steal sneakers slippers clothings etc ... the police cant catch a single soul till now after years ... They always hang out in gang like 4-6 or even more ... waiting for a Female to be rape first then the police ICA might do something ... If im not wrong police cant enter jungle forest etc for SPF thats the case therefore every shit that requires bashing into jungle they will ask the army to do so ... The police got more aircon time but physical or combat fitness are horrible ... even a army recruit might be about as good in physical to the SPF aircon do paper work mostly admin clerk SPF... Their TP even best always hide and snap picture ... u could see them chill and relax under bridges ... There is even convoy dropping something to those gang along expressway ... whether vans or bikes drop them stuff and they will pick it and proceed to their hideout ... Intel says its cigarette or mayb plants use as material for drug . Sit aircon more :) get paid too monthly on time :) They prefer the easy job like raiding some hotel housing places on drugs and prostitute yet the Tanglin drug factory still haven't raid even for years ... mayb its because high profile embassy are using drug during their party and the people on power just doesn't want to do anything to their embassy friends ... mayb becus embassy is restricted therefore as they are happy to do illegal stuff within their compound then:) More than 2 yrs SPF ICA sit out :) we got too much bugs in aircon office :) Kindly wait out

[@jacklol1834]

As what the reporter said. If there was a lady jogger, it can be dangerous for her. These people are not welcomed in SG. Period

[@Zohar-Modifier]

@@jacklol1834 mayb yes mayb no ... becus the time those gang come out the auntie are like 50s 60s 70s very chiu type they also wun desperate until attack those u see around 3:50-4am those 50s-70s auntie mostly in pairs too ... some may walk to meet their buddy up ... they had been spotted around 2-4am mostly even using those park facilities to sit there tcss ... once they see people they will move away ... they won't even wear their footwear straight away they go away ... all they need the next day was to steal from the HDB near expressway which is near to their hideout ... clothings footwear or any other stuff they wants ...

[@Zohar-Modifier]

@@jacklol1834 the chio bu(local & foreigners aka caucasian type) mostly saturday sunday evening time and alot people ..... daily monday to sunday the time those gang come out ... not much worries too as mostly 50s 60s 70s auntie only

[@jacklol1834]

Zohar Modifier hey dude it seems to me you that your day to day life have been affected to a certain extend by these people. Hope all goes well for you. Peace Out ✌🏽

[@mrbmr]

I dropped my soccer ball in the drain last time when i was young.

[@_graiderz2462]

Great! Now they have recreational activities to do during their spare time.

[@khvii]

i dont rmmbr anyone asking..

[@greenalien598x]

mrbmr cool story bro

[@DrChanIMH]

Did u see a clown in the drain?

[@sarahaqilah2703]

mrbmr when?

[@maxbob7931]

If malaysian, we stay in johor why in longkang.

[@nusantarah4982]

Max Bob yes I was thinking they are indons

[@maxbob7931]

@@nusantarah4982 could be anyone.

[@maxbob7931]

@@kaiboon2146 it's true then they're not a malaysian because only us know the best 😊

[@ftinftin8937]

I can tell from the way that guy walked...they are not malaysians..

[@chronoblack579]

My friend stayed in Singapore flat

[@Burkutace27]

Creepy pasta writers gonna be like; "I decided to follow a man walking through a drain; now, we're all doomed."

[@cityofplant]

Kind of weird of Malaysian working in singapore and also living there in a drain. Why not just live in Johor?

[@tofu2195]

Jimbo they are illegal immigrants u twat. Want to work in Singapore but do not have permit. Maybe they find it more convenient.

[@burmin98]

That means the authority are still sitting at their desk & waiting for something to happen or a victim to get harm then report then they move their ass.

[@sheriff820]

How come things like these can happen in Singapore?

[@imabrokebeebidiot7741]

I also got a bit surprise that people stay at big drain, poor thing 😢.

[@matreen427]

I'm a Broke beeb idiot if they are here illegally I don’t feel sorry for them, no one knows what their purpose is here. I feel more concern for fellow Singaporeans and residents here legally

[@benku8904]

Wah...unbelievable Singapore?How could this happen when we are suppose to be one of the safest and top security in the world. How come this drain walkers are not caught by the authorities yet? This is so dangerous for all. Imagine if STP reporters did not find out it will go on unnoticed for years. Bravo to STP reporters for risking their lives to highlight to the public and SPF.

[@rahmanhassan3139]

A very useful informations indeed . Thank you.

[@whizzardblizzard5696]

Lmao, the “Hati-Hati” slogan on the back of the t-shirt. The irony.

[@trytalktomek]

Hati hati😂

[@vorqoo]

@Fennesto Hahaha! I used to think it was berhappy-happy when I was young

[@brysonszy6306]

ICA needs to do something about this, 2019-nCoV is scary and all but these people aren't supposed to be here. Kick them out ASAP before anything happens. Well-meaning foreigners will enter through legal means.

[@bennynjss]

It’s a terrible lapse of security. You have all the latest weapons. All the security cameras. Yet these people are less than 100 metres from the nearest HDB. What if they were terrorists? They could easily destroy your island. Terrible Terrible.

[@Benjamin-wy4dj]

Thats the best part, you lay at the unexpected areas. No one will even believe and looked until found.

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

Damn, I remember using a place near a drain as a hideout, there was this small hut thingy some old guy made, he grew tapioca and banana plants there. After awhile we realised the drain was a shortcut home and started using it. Can't use it now, someone covered it up after they bought the house there, the old owner didn't care. I realise the old guy probably owned that house , last time I saw him was before the house was moved out of.

[@carllewis3612]

Omg this is happening in sg?!

[@hamitokia]

I thought the cheatcode was already used, and the full map is revealed. No more dark or mysterious corner in Singapore…

[@feleitks]

They sound like National Geographic describing animals

[@kissCharles]

as much as we dun want illegal immigrants, i respect these man for their contribution and hardship they go through. At the end of the day, don't we all have similar reasons for finding a job?

[@lovely-wn5rq]

Go thru proper channel

[@firdausfaizal5199]

I dont think its Malaysian. Most of malaysian workers in singapore they can afford to buy a luxury apartment in KL.

[@alvintang4091]

Buying a luxury house smack in the middle of KL would be similar to buying a decent condominium in AMK or Bishan area. Even if certain parts of Malaysia isn't well developed, living in the middle of a capital city still costs a lot.

[@izal2860]

From the way i look them , they are surely Indonesian .

[@mpokanniesvlog320]

Malaysians,don't claim

[@izal2860]

@@mpokanniesvlog320 ahahaha its Indonesian bro😂

[@izal2860]

@@mpokanniesvlog320 sorry ... I mean sis😂

[@blaxerx]

Time to send in the commandos.

[@krisfishlee3306]

They are selling illegal cigarettes near to residents area and they are mostly from east Malaysia , journalist consider yourself lucky nothing happen to you

[@dtkdk9688]

... why on earth a Malaysian want to be illegal immigrant in Singapore just to sells a cigarettes ... thousands Malaysians crossed causeway everyday to work in Singapore ...

[@krisfishlee3306]

@@dtkdk9688 they are from East Malaysia and some are from Indonesia they hold a social visit pass , they are hired by middleman cigarettes suppliers with foods and a mobile phone , firstly forest area are easy to hide and run and don't have to pay any room rental , this have been going on for years

[@dtkdk9688]

@@krisfishlee3306 if they were in fact a Malaysian ... there a lot of job vacancies (manufacturing) (shipyards) (construction) for them to work in Singapore with a proper documentation (subsidies) with attractive salary in SingDollar ... that's why i don't believed they are Malaysian ... 🤔🤔🤔

[@slowcar7108]

@@dtkdk9688 do you really think it's that easy for them Malaysian to get a job here? Let it be Singaporeans, we can't even get local jobs without basic education.

[@dtkdk9688]

@@slowcar7108 ... i mean works as a labourer ... i am a johorean ... i know what i am talking about ... what do you think if Malaysia media PUBLISHED a stories about ... a Singaporean hiding and living in the jungle in Malaysia as a illegal immigrants ... of course you won't believe it ... because there is no economy refugees in Malaysia and in Singapore 🙄🙄

[@leonlin1986]

Good. Protect lady when thy are alone for execise. Safety come first.

[@sapari17]

Pasti ke orang Malaysia?

[@BozoyCool]

Good news...All the best do the best...God bless

[@superconnie5003]

2 months?! No action by ICA and SPF?.Why ST spend 2 months observing instead of report to SPF?

[@rapidjohorlubokduit1095]

😂😂😂😂😂 Why longkang??? Gaji 3k-6k stakat bas singapore-johore baru $2 😅😅😅😅 Kalau pun $30 nk ke jb xkan la kot nak jimat sampai stay longkang??? Ini parah punya jimat!!! 😅😅😅😅😅mustahil is imposible..

[@moist9303]

we don't need to destroy them- we need to take care of them. Whoever they are, they don't have homes obviously and they don't mean any harm (since they haven't attacked anyone).

[@alvinmichael4970]

Yes they are poor people who need help...u are the only kind soul with kind comment..god bless u

[@eddielim5782]

Sg so many wulu place to check..but the P-f always check on MRT gantry only..

[@DevDev-gb6sw]

Looking for people with tattoos.

[@pomrukhun]

The only reason why bustop Bef Yew Tee flyover is not safe for anyone to drop off. The kje exit towards bukit panjang senja area. Even 2 big long snake ever went up to the blk area. Hence dunno where all the strays gone missing. Aside from all the above, the traffic light on that junction seems to be the best f1 racing corner. Trucks, cars and motorbike illegal uturn, zebra crossing for pedestrians seems to be the best place for them to rush and not care for pedestrians. Almost got hit by them few times eventhough i freaking held my hands up like a child.

[@MarmotStarpax]

I misread the title as "durian walkers" 😁

[@faaris7915]

Bruh this is beside our school west spring secondary School

[@deviladvoc]

Go find them after sch

[@Jorghee316]

wtf is ICA doing, good reporting by ST team

[@megascizor8275]

Did you not watch the video

[@9405288]

This reporter is dreadful.

[@wst844]

Why so rude? at the very least he seems to be doing his job in good faith and with sincere effort

[@9405288]

@@wst844 ok boomer..

[@wst844]

@@9405288 ok 12 year old lol

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

Wow under water channel like WW2

[@ivanloh4367]

they are illegal cigarette peddlers. Can easily spot them all over Bt Panjang. How I know? Cos I live there and sees these people often. It has been going on for some years. Numerous calls to the police also no use, they will be gone when police arrive.

[@AhmadAfifIsa]

I don't think they are immigrant. Maybe just legit workers but no homes

[@sgcitizen1063]

cannot believe our Home Land security can missed this and need our press to find out. No confident to our security. Seniors need to be replaced to wake up their roles and responsibilities.

[@Benjamin-wy4dj]

No one report mah

[@sgcitizen1063]

@@Benjamin-wy4dj There is no need to wait for someone to report. As part of National Security, someone high up there can introduced patrol by Army instead of police along these areas once a week. This can deter illegal immigrants from taking chances.

[@Benjamin-wy4dj]

@@sgcitizen1063 Gurkhas would be good enough actually.

[@Yogi-hv6mu]

Don't mix up with people who go pitching tent or camping... Can be dangerous if joggers are alone leh

[@shafiahahmad9156]

What are the police doing?

[@dtkdk9688]

thousands of Malaysians crossed a causeway everyday to work in Singapore ... a Malaysian can find a proper legal works in Singapore ... this people not a Malaysian ... bcos why a Malaysian want to be a illegal immigrant in Singapore 🙄🙄

[@DrChanIMH]

Contraband cigarettes from msia and indo need peddlers. Yishun means msian

[@dtkdk9688]

@@DrChanIMH ... pls pleaseee checked your facts pls ... there is no contraband cigarettes in Malaysia ... contraband cigarettes @ liquors only came from two countries ... Thailand and Indonesia ... 🙄🙄🙄

[@pigpoop3163]

Lmao they just wanna camp

[@michaellina5757]

Oh my God😱 amen 🙏

[@2kaihon78]

IT Chapter 4 "Drain walker"

[@silverhawk911]

ICA, police and the relevant authorities seems not to be doing enough to ensure the safety of the local and legally registered residents and secure the borders of Singapore. Like what the senior correspondent said, "anything bad can happen should they be desperate". In my opinion, I feel that it makes no point to only start investigating when people report of such incidents. Sometimes it can be too late if bad and unfortunate things do happen to innocent people. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Better to prevent it than to cry after something bad had happened.

[@jessjess3369]

Authorities:checking out drainage people.Potential threat. Authorities:monthly rent due,you gerree out of there!

[@shermanlo1880]

Star Wars: The Rise of Drainwalker

[@farays]

Hi sexy

[@Kaga184]

@@farays Thats not very damn funny.

[@anujmchitale]

It would be a better story than the rise of the Skywalker.

[@aazizulzaim6685]

@@farays change your name if you only want to say that

[@sherwinpinugu]

😍😘😋

[@whisperhuman4157]

In Malaysia i never seen anybody lives in the drainage maybe Singapore had their best drainage facilities to be lived in there...

[@ctrlzme.6448]

Lmao no, it stinks.

[@LittleMissRollerCoaster]

Hollywood has Maze Runners... we have Drain Walkers!

[@jinchengong6187]

If you guys wanted to make the story, You should get the police in and film the rate. Now you have made them change their hiding spot. Really idiot. Just wanted to make story.

[@bluewaters3100]

In the United States we would call this a homeless encampment.

[@WillEDC]

Have seen hidden camps before in the jungle.

[@anwarrazali2832]

What in the blue hell is drain walker

[@quakespr]

Need to send in the K9.

[@MrMenggeng]

ai johor dekat je xkan masuk longkang,bala bala

[@elfeebear6746]

Illegal immigrant..? ICA TIDO LAH...

[@ZLKAR9]

cannot b malaysians la .. how many working here go in n out of check point.. y would they want live in forested area.. this confirm illegal immigrant hiding their true spoken accent.. call police clear them out before anything happen to ur locals..

[@mayginngar1871]

Where have the Polices been to find it out to clear off??? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@dhxnn]

Wow

[@Aquaandplants]

I don’t support the actions of reporters! 2 months of photo sessions and they don’t get police to site soonest? They are putting residents / lady joggers especially at potential risks with each day passing! ! Also approaching to talk to bros? Gung-ho? ST Management you support such approach? It’s fine to do the story but not fine to put reporters and residents nearby at potential risks!! Just my personal view and in no way disrespecting the work of reporters

[@TheMandom88]

I thought these are works of relevant Authority. They have no knowledge? More Singaporeans should be more aware of strange happening and report to the authority. Why removed the items? Leave the items behind and nap them. Remove the items so they know somebody came.? Why not wait for them to go back to sleep.

[@walfredlim2081]

Why is it not inform the ICA ???? Now, those drain men escape!

[@jl1741]

This reporter cannot make it sia

[@hss2119]

No white Walkers?

[@pllin240]

who have been hiring them? or stealing

[@phillipchan6044]

Get a sniper with a tranquilizer, the most humane way to to catch them before something regrettable happens

[@jeremiahlim2925]

Very very big about to HK index cfds...Watch very closely

[@chowsing6000]

Interesting

[@Kingsglaive8578]

I ain't blame them... That's how money is king!

[@JaneDoe-oq3kx]

So they basically illegal camper? Its understandable since they can't afford a place to stay in SG since it's quite expensive (i guess?) And the first concern is when this group of people (who might turned "desperate") are going to mug people on the street? Are Singaporeans are going to be paranoid for no reason? There's camera all around the place for god sake. You still think they are going to jeopardize everything they got, do a crime and somehow making an escape? They better be a good swimmer then. Sigh... 😥

[@Amy-we4ij]

These illegal immigrants came by boats at night? 🤔

[@AvengeBasketball]

Where TF are the Police? No excuse for letting them run away when you have tracking DOGS.

[@woozhi9218]

Better than jay walker

[@firyannordin9268]

Haiyaaa , always spoil market la u people

[@quikslvr69]

Clear the forests! Make more hdb. Problem solved!

[@rusdicoolgammer]

It's a knock off for Alan walker

[@sambuck8710]

Draingang

[@wanderingsoul1500]

free rent and close to nature leh

[@OgagSoriano]

Mukhang hindi amoy burak ang kanal sa Singapore. Hihihihi.. Dito kayo magtago sa mga Kanal ng 'Pinas tignan natin kung tumagal kayo.

[@zxjzcr7lm107]

Curious is just another word to show how bo liao these sg news outlets are everyday report report trivial things

[@NecroticGamer117]

Because barely anything exciting or out of the blue happens in this country?

[@wanwall151]

Lol because they are camping ILLEGALLY there means they are the desperate ones to pray on lone female joggers? If anything they will try to hide and stay a low profile. You don't have to be camping there to pray on lone female joggers who is dumb enough to jog at 7pm away from public area. It is a stupid action regardless of where you are in the world? Holy crap state controlled media the quality

[@hasanbassari7364]

Indonesians 🙄

[@verticaliber4554]

Illegal immigrant? SG giving citizenship like hotcakes no such thing as being an illegal immigrant in SG just go ask gahment confirm give u free citizen

[@lerlo]

Wah Lao eh newscaster nowadays really subpar

[@quesora5740]

Sounds like a nickname a weeb like me gonna give to someone

[@temasek65]

Whats the latest gay news?

[@lyjj]

Oh hi its u again

[@mark347347]

The true GCC people... get them to teach our army boys how to do this shit hahaha

[@Exoduservant]

"Shhhh,i sense denjar maybe near !" GLA Singapore Cell Tunnel network