Netizens show compassion for man who hurled chair onto street because he can’t get iced Milo at Tampines coffee shop

An incident that happened on 1 September had been circulating on social media, gaining the public’s attention as well as dividing the netizens.

As reported by Shin Min Daily News, a man who seemed to be in his 20s caused a commotion at a coffee shop’s drink stall at 820 Tampines Street 81.

At about 6 pm, the man was seen hurling a chair onto the street, the cars honked at him and managed to avoid getting hit by the chair.

A 34-year-old coffee shop staff revealed that the man attempted to purchase iced Milo from the drink stall before the incident occurred. However, when the man was requested to pay S$1.60 for his iced Milo, he told the staff that he didn’t have money.

Upon being rejected by the drink stall staff, he began shouting angrily and proceeded to hurl a chair into the middle of the street. Although his actions startled the coffee shop patrons nearby, fortunately, nobody was hurt.

“I told him a cup of iced Milo would be S$1.60, he said he didn’t have money. So I told him I can’t sell it to him. All of a sudden, he got angry and shouted, and he lifted a chair and threw it. Luckily, the chair did not land on anyone, but the customers were shocked.”

Later on, the staff saw a familiar Filipina domestic helper came searching for the young man. He could recognise the domestic helper as she frequents the coffee shop to buy iced Milo up to three to four times a week. It was until then the staff realised that the man was emotionally unstable.

Netizens’ comments

Several netizens expressed compassion for the young man, as they suspected that he was emotionally unwell.

Wee: “Although having a time bomb at home does call for sympathy, but he has violent tendencies. I hope that his family would look out for the safety of his domestic helper, and not allowing him to head out alone.”

Hoo: “If he likes iced Milo so much, he should make it at home since it saves money as well. I guess his mental state isn’t well, or something like anxiety disorder. Throwing a fit and hurling chairs like this would endanger others.”

Lim: “Although he may be someone who needs compassion, it doesn’t mean that the public should risk getting hurt. Who will be responsible if he hurt someone? I hope his family would look out for him.”

Choo: “Perhaps the man is a person with special needs.” 

Toh: “Where are our kind-hearted people? Why did no one buy him a drink?”