SINGAPORE FISHING BOATS (Protection against pirates)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Defence what steps he proposes to take for the protection of Singapore fishing boats against pirates on the high seas.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, this matter was raised in Parliament by the Member for Jurong on the 24th January, 1968. I refer Members to Hansard, Vol. 26, cols. 1094-6, for the detailed reply by the then Minister of State for Defence. To refresh the memory of Members. I would like to say that in his reply to the question at that time, the Member for Sepoy Lines stated that the Marine Police were unable to afford protection to Singapore fishing vessels operating far away in international waters.

I have to report that the position has not changed very much since then. However, with the build-up of the Air Defence Command and the Maritime Command of the Singapore Armed Forces, it is envisaged that some degree of assistance may be available in the not too distant future.