KEEPING SINGAPORE'S DEFENCES UP

Since 9/11, the security of Singapore has become a lot more complex. And in facilities such as Jurong Island and Changi Airport, the rapid movement of people and cargo is inevitably a security weakness.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen made this point when he visited the Island Defence Task Force (IDTF) at Jurong Island on 18 Nov.

The IDTF was established in 2001 to enhance national security in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Under this task force, soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) work closely with agencies such as the Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority to protect key installations. These include Changi Airport, Jurong Island and Sembawang Wharves.

During the visit, hosted by Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh, Dr Ng was briefed on how the security troopers operate. Besides viewing a static display of the equipment used by IDTF personnel, Dr Ng fired a taser at a target board, operated a remote bomb disposal robot and experienced donning a bomb disposal suit.

He also interacted with men from IDTF to find out their roles and the challenges they face in the line of duty.

Speaking to local media after the visit, Dr Ng said: "We've been seeing developments over the last 10 years... It's a good sign that the Island Defence Task Force's capabilities are getting better, but we still have to continue to keep up those capabilities, because on the other side of the fence, those who pose threats to us are also learning as they go."

He also emphasised the importance of staying vigilant even in peacetime. With reference to the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, he said: "You're never quite prepared for such instances, but you must have the resilience to be able to respond, and prepare yourselves so that you can prevent any of these incidents from happening to the best of your ability."

For 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Phelan Goh from the 6th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, staying vigilant while patrolling for up to 12 hours at a stretch can be physically and mentally taxing. However, he understands the purpose behind what he does as a sector commander in Jurong Island, adding that protecting the island is a heavy responsibility.

On the significance of his job, he said: "This is a key installation which contributes to the economy of Singapore. I'm actually instilling confidence in those who have invested in Jurong Island, so what I'm doing is important."