Attempted Theft of Army Rifle by Civilian Contractor

Mr Nicholas Fang asked the Minister for Defence whether security checks of personnel entering SAF military camps need to be reviewed in light of the recent incident where a civilian contractor attempted to steal a rifle from a full-time National Serviceman.

The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Sir, the recent incident mentioned by the Member where a civilian contract worker attempted to snatch a rifle from a full-time National Serviceman, occurred just outside the Pasir Laba camp perimeter in a SAF gazetted training area where access is provided by public roads.

MINDEF's investigations revealed that the cadet put up a struggle with the worker as he attempted to snatch the rifle from him. The rifle was not loaded and no live ammunition was used in that training incident. The worker had momentary possession of the rifle, but the instructors quickly over-powered the worker, re-possessed the rifle and detained the worker for handing over to the Police. The Unit Commander in the Specialist Cadet School (SCS) has reviewed the incident and is satisfied that the cadet had made his best effort under the circumstances to prevent the worker from taking his rifle, and the commanders present had acted appropriately and promptly. Police investigations are currently on-going.

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Our records show that such incidents are rare. In fact, there was only one such incident – this incident – in the last 10 years. Even so, the SAF has, after the incident, reviewed its security measures for protection of camps, personnel and equipment and is satisfied that our current protocols are robust and adequate.

The SAF adopts comprehensive security measures for our camps, personnel and equipment, especially of firearms and munitions. Camps deploy stringent perimeter protection and routinely enforce strict security procedures. Security troopers are trained through regular scenario-based exercises to guard our installations. All visitors are subjected to security checks at the gates before entering the camps. In addition, civilian visitors must be escorted by appropriate camp personnel while moving within the camp.

Security measures are also routinely applied when SAF personnel train outside the camps. Prior to the conduct of each SAF training activity, our commanders will survey the training area and take note of potential security and training hazards. Checks are routinely conducted for all soldiers during and at the end of each training exercise to ensure that all equipment and ammunition has been accounted for.

Every soldier knows that he is personally responsible and accountable for his personal weapon wherever he is, in or outside the camps. This is repeatedly drummed into all NSmen, as we know it. Soldiers are reminded to always keep their weapon in their possession if the weapon cannot be secured in an armskote. They are also reminded to keep a look-out for their buddies and their equipment at all times, as they did in this incident.

Mr Nicholas Fang (Nominated Member): Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Minister, for the answer. It is heartening to note that the cadet actually did put up efforts to resist, contrary to some negative aspersions that are being cast in the online media about the ability to protect his own weapon. I have one supplementary question. It pertains to civilian contractors that provide transport services in and out of SAF camps. It has been my own personal experience that transport companies are registered with the SAF or with MINDEF and are then able to bus loads of either full-time NSmen or reservists in and out of SAF camps to ranges for live firing and so on, I also noticed that some of the drivers are foreign nationals. When they go into the camp, they are not actually required to be inspected or to book in because they have a badge from the transport company. What measures are in place to ensure that the transport companies in their hiring procedures have a proper screen and scan of the personnel that they hire to make sure that they do not present a security risk to our camps?

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Sir, I do not have enough information about the specific aspects that the Member has brought up. I would be happy to answer them specifically if he files an additional question. But let me just speak in general terms. There are strict procedures in ensuring the security of our key installations in camps. All visitors, including civilian contractors, will be required to submit a form or a photograph ID of himself in exchange for a security pass. Long-term contractors working in sensitive areas must also do likewise with their photographs and clearance from the Military Security Department (MSD), which are prominently displayed in the guardroom, and will also exchange the original work permit card for a civilian contract pass on a daily basis. Contractors are also reminded to stay within the area of their work and at no time should they be roaming through our camps and bases.

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