Ms Indranee Rajah asked the Minister for Transport whether any action will be taken by the police against people who endanger aircraft and passengers by shining laser lights at incoming planes to Changi Airport from locations outside the airport.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: The shining of laser lights at aircraft can be hazardous to aircraft operations. The lights can confuse, distract or cause discomfort to pilots. In more severe cases, powerful lasers that are directed at the subject's eyes could cause temporary flash blindness, and even eye injuries leading to incapacitation. These effects are significant hazards to flight operations especially during the critical phases of flight, that is, during take-off and landing. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) therefore recommends that the use of lasers should be restricted around an airport.

As inexpensive, high-powered laser pointers become more widely available, the number of reports by pilots on incidents of laser lights being directed at aircraft has increased. In Singapore, there were five incidents reported in 2009, 10 in 2010, and 24 in 2011. The increase in such incidents in Singapore is consistent with the upward trends reported in other countries, such as the US and the UK.

We take a serious view of activities which may affect the safety of aircraft and the travelling public. Under the Singapore Air Navigation Order, pointing a laser light or any other form of light whose glare may endanger an aircraft operation is an offence. Any person convicted of such an offence could be liable for a fine of up to S$20,000; or in the case of a subsequent conviction, a fine of S$40,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 15 months.

When pilots report the shining of dangerous lights at aircraft, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will convey the report to the Singapore Police Force (SPF). While the SPF will investigate the matter upon receiving the report, SPF patrol units on the ground face difficulties in apprehending perpetrators as it is difficult for pilots to pin-point the exact location of the laser beam source. Moreover, high-powered laser pointers can be easily hidden from sight. For these reasons, there have been no arrests for this offence thus far. Nevertheless, I would like to assure the House that CAAS is working closely with SPF to explore ways of building up the policing and enforcement capabilities on this front.

The public also has a role to play in minimising incidents that will endanger aircraft operations. We will step up public education efforts to raise awareness among the public of the risks that shining of laser lights pose to aircraft safety. In addition to acting responsibly, the public can also help to alert the relevant authorities or stop such mischief if they come across such incidents.

Vernacular Speeches

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Vernacular Speech by Mr Gan Thiam Poh

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Vernacular Speech by Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong

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Vernacular Speech by Mr Ang Wei Neng