MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

Law and order and internal security are essential for stability and economic growth. The Minisry of Home Affairs will ensure that Singapore remains a safe and secure place for all.

Law and Order

The public and Police are cooperating much more closely in law enforcement and crime prevention. The Police have streamlined their organization and procedures as recommended by management consultants. The Neighbourhood Police Post programme will be completed by the end of 1989.

With this community structure in place, the Police will focus on improving the quality of their training and their specialist capabilities. They will acquire modern equipment to carry out its missions, including up-to-date vehicles and vessels for land and coastal policing, riot-control equipment, and forensic equipment. To complement this, the Police Academy will upgrade its facilities and introduce new courses.

Internal Security

The arrests of the Marxist conspirators in 1987 and the re-arrests of some of them in 1988 indicate that the Communist threat has emerged in a new form. As a small country, Singapore is vulnerable to attempts by foreign powers to interfere in our internal affairs. Racial and religious extremism and international terrorism can still endanger our internal security. ISD will continue to monitor and counter them vigilantly.

Drug Enforcement

Although drug and inhalant abuse is under control in Singapore, the inflow of drugs is still a problem. We will tighten detection measures at entry points. The Central Narcotics Bureau will also monitor worldwide trends in drug abuse, to prevent new drugs like cocaine from catching on in Singapore. Rehabilitation

We will build two new prisons and a new drug rehabilitation centre to ease overcrowding and facilitate rehabilitation. We will also improve aftercare and rehabilitation programmes to reduce recidivism.

Immigration Control and Identification

The Immigration Department will continue to take vigorous action against overstayers, illegal immigrants and those who harbour them. At the same time, we will make it easier for foreign entrepreneurs, professionals and skilled workers to enter and settle in Singapore, in order to add to our pool of talent.

We will introduce a new tamper-proof credit-card sized identity card.

Civil Defence

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will build up its reservist manpower, and set up more training areas and schools to meet increased training needs.

We will continue to train more Civil Defence volunteers, and involve the public in more Civil Defence exercises, for example, to test out emergency distribution and control of food, water and fuel, in order to educate Singaporeans to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.

The SCDF will install a Public Warning system, and a comprehensive command, control and communications system for its units.

Fire Service

We will build more fire stations to speed up response to fires and emergency incidents.

We will revise the Fire Code, emphasize fire prevention, and encourage professionals and building owners to be more conscious of fire safety.

The Singapore Fire Service and the SCDF will complement each other by integrating common areas of work, and by establishing a common training school for both organizations.

PROF. S JAYAKUMAR Minister for Home Affairs