Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether the Ministry has determined (i) how the used SAF uniforms came into the possession of the smugglers who were caught unloading them near Batam in November 2016 and (ii) the motive for smuggling the uniforms to Batam; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) (for the Minister for Defence): Mdm Speaker, the SAF has an established system for disposing of its used and unwanted equipment. SAF servicemen who need to dispose of their used uniforms can do so via collection points at all SAF eMarts. Our contractors for uniform disposal collect the used uniforms and send them to the incinerators. The used uniforms are then incinerated under witness by an SAF personnel.

Following the incident, the SAF has reminded our contractors to ensure that all uniform disposals are done in accordance with established procedures. The SAF will also be putting up more disposal bins at SAF eMarts and will establish used uniform collection points at entrances of selected camps near populated areas in the next two to three months to reinforce the system. NSmen will be reminded to dispose of their old uniforms only via authorised collection points. These measures will reduce opportunities for unauthorised vendors to obtain and then sell used SAF uniforms.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Non-Constituency Member): Mdm Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his answer. Could I please ask him to answer part (a) of my question? I also have a few supplementary questions. Does SAF carry out any regular audits or spot checks to ensure that proper disposal is always carried out by the contractors? What actions will be taken to improve the current disposal process? What actions will be taken against the persons found responsible for causing or contributing to the uniforms being sold or smuggled into Indonesia?

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Mdm Speaker, the handling and disposal of used SAF uniforms, we suspect, is due to actions of unauthorised parties. Our investigations have found that our authorised contractors have disposed uniforms in accordance with established procedures. As mentioned earlier, the collection points are all available at all SAF eMarts. To enhance the convenience of our servicemen, the SAF will be putting the disposal bins with a one-way non-return valve at the entrance of selected camps near populated areas.

So, the point is, we will continue to engage and remind our servicemen and NSmen on where they should dispose of their used uniforms. We take this matter very seriously. We will ensure that should there be any individuals who have been found to have violated some of these regulations or procedures, they will be taken to task.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: I thank the Senior Minister of State. Could I ask again what actions will be taken against the persons found responsible for causing or contributing to the uniforms being sold or smuggled into Indonesia? And another supplementary question, given the answers that the Senior Minister of State has given, is or will Singapore be working with the Indonesian authorities to identify the persons who have been arrested or detained in Indonesia in connection with the investigation for the smuggling of these uniforms?

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: It was reported by the media, that the Indonesian Navy is investigating. We are waiting for the outcome of their investigation, and should there be any need for us to work together with them, we will certainly work with them. I think it is premature to even discuss what actions we will take. We will look at the situation as it emerges.

Mdm Speaker: One final short clarification, Mr Tan.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: Thank you, Mdm Speaker. Could the Senior Minister of State please share with the House what would be the likely or expected timeline for the investigation to complete such that MINDEF would be able to consider whether actions will be taken against the persons responsible?

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Madam, as mentioned, it was reported by the media that the Indonesian Navy is the one that is conducting the investigation. I think it is not in my position to set any timeline, because ideally, it is up to the Indonesian authorities, and we will leave it to them. When they complete the investigation and they share the information with us, then we will take the action, accordingly.