PAYA LEBAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Security measures)

Mr Tan Soo Khoon asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) if he will give a report on the present security measures implemented at Paya Lebar International Airport for the safety of passengers; (b) if he is satisfied with those measures; and (c) if not, what steps will be taken to improve them.

The Acting Minister for Culture and Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Sir, the present security measures for the safety of passengers at Paya Lebar Airport are adequate.

While I should not publicise too much of the details lest effectiveness is affected, a brief description of these security measures would be in order.

All departing passengers are thoroughly screened with the aid of metal detectors. Body search is also carried out, if necessary. Hand baggage are subject to checks by X-ray machines and manual search. Passengers' luggage to be kept in the holds of the aircraft, which are not accessible to passengers in flight, are also searched or X-rayed by security personnel. Transit passengers who choose to proceed to the departure holding area in the terminal building are security checked before entering the passenger terminal. Airport staff holding passes are also checked before they may enter the restricted departure area.

All outgoing air mail and postal parcels are subject to X-ray screening.

X-ray screening is also carried out on hold luggage of arriving passengers.

The Airport is divided between public and restricted areas. All security sensitive areas such as the aircraft aprons and runway, customs, immigration and health areas as well as baggage areas, are restricted to airport passholders only. All entry and exit points to the restricted areas are permanently guarded by police personnel who also carry out checks on airport staff entering or leaving the restricted areas.

The airport is also equipped with closed circuit television cameras that constantly monitor all activities inside the terminal buildings covering both public and restricted areas.

There are also special police units stationed in the Airport to react immediately to any emergency.

Sir, the security measures which I have briefly described provide adequate safe-guards for the safety of passengers at Paya Lebar Airport without causing too much inconvenience to passengers or affecting adversely the smooth flow of passengers and other users in and out of the Airport. These measures are constantly reviewed in the light of the prevailing security situation facing all international airports. Adjustments are made whenever considered advisable by our airport security officers.