POLICE COAST GUARD

POLICE COAST GUARD:

(Dangers faced in intercepting and repelling intrusions): 13.

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what dangers have Police Coast Guard officers faced in intercepting or repelling intrusions into Singapore waters; and (b) whether there is a need to review the equipment, training or tactics to increase capabilities to meet such dangers.

The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Police Coast Guard (PCG) plays an important role in safeguarding Singapore's sea borders, patrolling our territorial waters to detect intrusion by terrorists, smuggling of explosives and weapons for terrorist operations, as well as illegal immigrants and smugglers of other contraband items.

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Whilst operational safety is of utmost importance to the PCG, there are inherent risks involved in maritime operations, such as high winds, strong sea waves and high speed manoeuvring in the night. These risks increase when intercepting and repelling intrusions, as high speeds are normally required, especially when the intruding vessel refuses to stop, or is persistent in trying to evade arrest. The possible presence of other vessels and sea hazards in our waters adds to these risks, especially in the hours of darkness.

Therefore, despite the thorough training our PCG officers receive and the use of safety equipment, such as radar and night vision devices on board our PCG boats to facilitate navigation and surveillance, there is a risk of lives being lost in an operation.

Sir, with regard to the recent incident on 13th April 2007 where two PCG officers died, the Singapore Police Force is currently conducting investigations into the incident for the Coroner's Inquiry which will be held in due course. It is therefore not appropriate for me to discuss the details of the case at this stage. Separately, the Ministry of Home Affairs will be reviewing the facts and circumstances leading to the incident, to assess if we can create a safer operating environment for PCG officers when performing their duties at sea. The review will cover the anti-intrusion tactics, training and equipment.

But let me say, Sir, that MHA takes a very serious view of this incident and will take all necessary measures to rectify any problems that may be identified.

Ms Sylvia Lim (Non-Constituency Member): Sir, I do appreciate what the Senior Minister of State has said about not commenting on the recent incident, but there had been press reports that some of the intruding boats are actually capable of reaching speeds which are

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beyond the top speed of our special task squadron boats, and I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State, firstly, whether this is true. Secondly, if it is true, does this mean that we need to have higher speed boats? Thirdly, are the intruders armed in previous cases, what are they armed with, and what are our own police officers equipped with to protect themselves from such threats?

Assoc. Prof. Ho Peng Kee: Sir, let me assure Ms Lim that, in terms of the wherewithal of the PCG, including the types of boats they have, including the weaponry on board, they are well-equipped and well-armed to deal with these intrusions. Indeed, I think the hon. Member may know that in 1995, we secured the PK classes of boats which can reach top speeds of 50 knots.

In terms of speed for speed, they can actually take these boats on. Of course, these boats are smaller and, therefore, in the darkness of the night, they will try to manoeuvre and, in trying to evade arrest, may try to make turns. So, this normally happens. I will not comment on this case, but this is likely to have happened.

In terms of the armoury on board, yes, PCG officers do have arms on board, including rifles that can be used, but it is not normal for PCG to do that because the first attempt is to disable the boat. In the past, when dealing with smugglers of contraband items, they are not normally armed.