In recent months, citizens have expressed growing frustration on Reddit with the rise of touting in Singapore.
Image: Pexel/Monstea Production
From busy areas like Paya Lebar MRT and popular shopping malls to taxi stands, many have encountered persistent touts and promoters. From new real estate developments and credit cards to SkillsFuture credits, touting has become increasingly visible—and for some, intrusive.
Touting is defined as the act of persistently soliciting business or attention in public areas, often with aggressive or high-pressure sales tactics.
Screengrab: Singapore Statutes Online
In Singapore, the law addresses this issue directly. According to the Singapore Statutes Online, it is illegal for anyone in public places to repeatedly solicit others in a way that annoys them. Those who violate this law can face fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months for a first offense. Repeat offenders face even higher fines and longer sentences.
Images: Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch, Pexels/RDNE Stock Project
For those looking to manage or avoid interactions with touts, the following strategies may help:
Avoid eye contact: Often, eye contact signals interest and invites touts to approach, so keeping a neutral gaze can minimize interaction.
Maintain a brisk pace: Walking confidently and quickly can indicate that you are in a hurry, discouraging touts from stopping you.
Politely decline: A firm but polite “no, thank you” can help deter further engagement if a tout has approached you.
Choose alternative routes: If certain areas have a high concentration of touts, consider walking through less crowded pathways to bypass them.
Stay aware of designated solicitation zones: Some public places have specified zones where solicitors are allowed to operate, creating clear boundaries that can be avoided.
Images: Pexels/RDNE Stock Project, Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch,
If a tout follows you persistently or engages in hard-selling tactics, you can take additional steps:
Firmly state your disinterest: A clear and assertive response, such as “I am not interested,” can often signal that you do not wish to engage further.
Walk towards populated or monitored areas: Heading toward busier spaces, especially those with security personnel or surveillance, can deter touts from continuing to follow.
Avoid engaging further: Any interaction, even explaining or making excuses, can sometimes encourage more persistent behavior. Try to avoid responding further after you have already declined.
Report the incident: If the behavior becomes harassing, report it to nearby security or building management. In some places, persistent harassment may be in violation of public nuisance laws, and reporting it can also help prevent similar situations for others.
Although there are legal regulations in place, effectively addressing touting also involves collaboration between businesses and public spaces to foster respectful engagement practices. Being informed about these regulations can help manage expectations and using these strategies can reduce the likelihood of unpleasant interactions in public areas.
