PUBLIC PROPERTY (Damage by anti-national elements and protective measures)

Mr Sim Boon Woo asked the Minister of Defence how much public property was damaged by anti-national elements between January, 1967, and 20th June, 1967, and what are the measures taken for the protection of public property.

Mr Wee Toon Boon (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, damage to public property caused by anti-national elements is as follows: -

(a) 11 sets of traffic lights:

(b) Hill Street Police Post window panes broken;

(c) Police vehicles -smashed windscreens, flasher lights and dents to vehicles;

(d) Central Fire Station -Door panes broken:

(e) Jalan Haji Karim Community Centre.

Other damages include defacing of bus shelters and road signs, breaking of glass, damage to streets, and the cost to obliterate slogans.

These properties are installed for the benefit of the general public and, therefore, easily accessible. As far as possible, essential public properties are guarded and the police constantly patrol areas which are likely targets of vandalism. The police are always on the alert to prevent damage to property or acts of vandalism.

The Government takes a serious view of any act of vandalism and offenders will be severely punished. The Government cannot tolerate any anti-national elements who are out to create chaos in the Republic and undermine the well., being of our nation.