SAF, HOME TEAM AND S'POREANS ALL NEED TO BE VIGILANT: DPM TEO

In the light of increasing terror attacks, Singaporeans should be more aware of their surroundings, of telltale signs such as suspicious people and objects and learning what to do in the midst of an attack. At the same time, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and other security agencies will continue to work closely together to protect Singapore against all threats.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean brought these points up during his visit to Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) security troopers deployed at Jurong Island on 22 Feb.

Mr Teo was visiting Operationally-Ready Servicemen (NSmen) from 811th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (811 SIR). Accompanied by Senior Minister of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung and senior officers from the Army, Mr Teo learnt how the troops kept a close watch over Jurong Island on a 24/7 basis.

During the visit, Mr Teo was briefed on how SAF's troops protect key installations such as Jurong Island and the deployment plan on the island. He also got to hear from the NSmen deployed on an observation tower on their challenges.

Speaking to the media at the end of the visit, Mr Teo said: "Our National Servicemen in the SAF and the Home Team play a very direct role in protecting the security of Singapore, together with our Regulars, full-time national servicemen and our volunteers."

He added: "Apart from key installations, you will notice that many of the terrorist attacks go for soft targets." These soft targets included shopping malls, coffee shops and educational institutions. He noted that while it was important for these areas to be protected, it was not possible for the security forces to cover every one of them. Hence the need for every Singaporean to be vigilant.

He explained: "It's important for Singaporeans themselves to be vigilant of their surroundings so that if anything happens, you can be alert, you can alert others (and) you can alert the security agencies. And if you're caught up in such a situation, what do you do to protect yourselves, your friends and your neighbours?"

Noting that many attacks were taking place in places where people least expected them, he added: "Perhaps, you might be able to take some important action to help contain and mitigate the consequences of an attack so that the attacker cannot carry out all the things and reduce the damage and casualties. These are important critical moments."

While security agencies are already operating on high alert and investigations are being made on every source or intelligence report, Mr Teo said that plans are being made to heighten Singaporeans' awareness of the possibility of attacks happening anywhere.

"We want to make sure that they (Singaporeans) understand the nature of the threat and how it can affect them in their daily lives, even when they least expect it. We will (then) be able to expect the unexpected and be prepared for it," said Mr Teo.