Singapore rolls out new security measures to counter terrorism

Singapore will step up security measures, including more CCTV coverage in major spots and an upgrade in firepower as well as deployment methods for the Singapore Police Force (SPF), in a bid to counter potential terror threats, local media reported on Friday, citing Shanmugam.

"ISIS wants to establish a caliphate in this region, encompassing Singapore...We are in the epicenter of the caliphate that ISIS wants to establish...There are multiple layers of threats in this region: complex, interwoven, fusing religion with domestic political grievances," Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam was quoted, adding that there were at least 74 terror-related arrests in Indonesia, and seven terrorist plots foiled in Singapore's neighboring Malaysia last year.

While stating that Singapore's counter-terrorism strategy has been effective, Shanmugam said new tactics are needed for the authorities to cope with possible threats, especially the multiple attacks simultaneously over different locations and targeting vulnerable, crowded venues.

The newly-introduced measures including the expansion of CCTV coverage in major city spots such as Changi Airport and government buildings, entertainment centers as well as car parks and hawker centers, as well as during big events.

CCTV data in more areas will be accessible to the police on demand, including from systems monitoring public transport, busy commercial buildings, and government buildings, and the public can also submit videos to the police, the minister said.

To be more prepared to unexpected threats, Shanmugam also said that response teams will be upgraded so that they can respond to threats faster. For example, the SPF will enhance its firepower and deployment methods for a faster arrival to locations under attack, and a new Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) will be formed to counter new threats to minimize casualties.

In the meantime, the authorities will launch a new multi-year national movement -- dubbed "SG Secure" to help Singaporeans better protect themselves against any terrorist attacks.

Under the movement, the government will go to different places including schools, workplaces, communities to educate people to be more sensitive and alert to potential threats.

"Our ability to deal with terrorism effectively as a country depends on how many Singaporeans face up to and respond to this challenge as individuals and as members of the community," the minister said, adding that the aim is to have every Singaporean to be able to stay alert, united and strong enough to bounce back quickly and overcome adversity in the event of a crisis. Enditem