Sweets not allowed on the MRT?

I can’t help but feel that the “no-eating-or-drinking-is-allowed” law is being taken a bit too far here- fining a lady $30 seems really extreme- and if I may say- completely ridiculous.

I don’t blame the station manager, who is only doing his job. It, however, is a manifestation of an greater underlying philosophy in Singapore- the “slippery slope”. It is succinctly put in the video: “[if we allow you to eat a sweet], then everyone will also start doing that, then where are you going to [draw the line]?” The fear of the slippery slope has often resulted in policymakers going for the most extreme rule possible.

Is going for the extreme rule a sign of prudence, safeguarding society from its ills? Or is it just lazy policymaking, an excuse to not put in the hard work to find out where the metaphorical “slope” has its “plateaus”- middle grounds where rules can give people more breathing space, yet still safeguard society. I’m not sure, and I’d like to find out someday.

PS: You can also read about this incident here and here.