Are Hongkongers allowed to clip nails on buses? Viral video sparks warning

Hong Kong bus passengers have been told to refrain from clipping their nails while on board after a viral video featuring a commuter sparked anger online.

Lai Siu-chung, director of the KMB branch of the Motor Transport Workers General Union, said on Sunday that passengers who were uncooperative could also be forced off buses.

The union representative said commuters should also avoid finishing their make-up or carrying out similar activities, even in cases when companies had not explicitly banned personal grooming.

“These are personal acts, they should be done at home before going out. When boarding the bus, one should put on the seat belt and cooperate with safety directions,” Lai said.

“They shouldn’t do anything unconventional that could cause injuries or affect other passengers.”

A recently circulating social media post bemoaned a male bus passenger’s belligerent taunts after he was asked to stop clipping his nails while on board a bus, with the interaction bringing unruly behaviour on public transport back into the spotlight.