TAOYUAN, Taiwan — October 8, 2025 — A passenger at the Airport MRT A11 Kengkou Station reportedly smoked and chewed betel nut on the platform this morning, later assaulting a security guard who tried to stop him.
According to the Taoyuan Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (Taoyuan MRT), the altercation began when a station security guard approached the man to remind him that smoking and chewing betel nut are prohibited in MRT stations. The passenger, however, refused to comply. When the guard attempted to knock the cigarette from the man’s hand, the passenger retaliated by punching the guard.
The incident, which was caught on video and shared on Facebook, showed the man sitting on a platform bench smoking and chewing betel nut despite repeated warnings. MRT police were immediately called to assist and helped de-escalate the situation.
Following the incident, the station manager issued a fine of NT$1,500 in accordance with Article 50, Paragraph 1, Clause 9 of the Mass Rapid Transit Act, which penalizes individuals for chewing betel nut within MRT premises. Additionally, Taoyuan MRT said it would refer the case to the local Health Bureau for possible violations of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, based on surveillance footage.
The security guard who was assaulted has chosen not to press charges for the time being. Meanwhile, the MRT management urged the public to cooperate with safety personnel and abide by system regulations to ensure the safety and orderliness of the transportation network.