SECURITY MEASURES AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether he will inform the House of the security measures that are enforced at the Changi Airport and whether these are adequate; whether other measures are being contemplated and whether passengers will be inconvenienced.

The Minister for Communications and Information (Dr Yeo Ning Hong): Mr Speaker, Sir, security measures at Changi Airport are in line with those adopted by other major international airports. This is acknowledged by airlines using Changi Airport. The security experts of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have also expressed the view that our airport security system is satisfactory and of a high standard.

Together with the police, our airport authorities regularly review the airport security system. They are in touch with IATA and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) on the latest developments in airport security and enforcement. Improved measures and equipment adopted by other major airports are introduced from time to time. Regular exercises are also held to test the system and the alertness of security personnel as well as to ensure that our security system functions smoothly at all times. Our security system is also obviously severely dependent on the quality of personnel that we recruit.

Members may have read in the newspapers recently a report about a boy who entered the restricted area without a boarding pass. Investigations suggest that certain security officers may have had a lapse of vigilance. The boy managed to slip past the checkpoint at the entrance of the departure lounge. However, he was soon spotted by a security supervisor. The boy attempted to escape and went through a holding room. He was finally stopped by a security officer and a cabin crew and handed over to the security supervisor.

Sir, in the light of this recent incident, security procedures have been reviewed. Police officers, airport security personnel as well as airline personnel have been asked to exercise greater vigilance.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, in the light of the Minister's reply, can he assure this House that the security officers will be more efficient in the discharge of their duties in the light of the recent incident?

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, security personnel have been instructed to be more vigilant in the light of the recent incident.