Singapore (VNA) – Singapore will enhance security measures against rising terrorism threat, local media reported on March 18, quoting Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam as saying in a speech on March 18.
The measures include expanding security camera coverage, particularly at important places such as the Changi airport, government buildings, entertainment facilities, parking space or at major events, and forming dedicated police emergency response teams.
New emergency response teams will be trained in counter-assault skills and equipped with the necessary weapons, while specialist teams from the Special Operations Command and Gurkha Contingent will be equipped to respond faster.
The minister emphasised that the threat of a terror attack is at its highest level in recent times, with the self-claimed Islamic State (IS) seeking to establish a caliphate in Southeast Asia that includes Singapore.
He affirmed while Singapore's strategy to counter terrorism is effective, new measures are needed to help the authorities respond to potential threats, particularly simultaneous attacks at different locations targeting crowded and vulnerable areas.
Significantly, a new national programme called SG Secure will be rolled out to organise and train people to protect themselves from a terror attack and ensure that multi-racial, multi-religious harmony is upheld.-VNA