PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM (Security)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM:

(Security): 1.

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the measures taken to improve the security of Singapore's public transport system, especially the rail system, given the terrorist bombings in Madrid; (b) how effective will these measures be in thwarting terrorist attacks; (c) how much will the measures cost; and (d) how will the cost be paid for.

2.

Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for Transport whether (a) there is any security system that can check to prevent harmful materials like explosive chemicals and bombs being brought into MRT stations; and (b) the security review on the MRT can be expanded to include big bus interchanges as well, as both transport systems have heavy human traffic.

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The Minister for Transport (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 1 and 2 together as they both address the same topic?

Mr Speaker: Yes, carry on.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, Mdm Cynthia Phua asked if there is any security system that can prevent harmful materials from being brought into MRT stations. Today, various types of detection equipment are available for screening passengers and their baggage. However, with over 4 million passenger trips made on our bus and MRT systems each day, it would not be possible to impose 100% security check without severely degrading the efficiency and operation of our public transport system.

Let me assure Members that the Government, together with the train operators, has always taken a pro-active approach to making sure that our train network is safe and secure. Even before the Madrid train bombings, we had conducted security planning and surveys for our MRT system, and implemented many security measures. For example, the operators have tightened security of the access to vital installations, and have installed CCTVs to monitor the MRT network. LTA is also incorporating similar security features into the design of the Circle Line. In addition, the Police carry out routine patrols of the MRT stations. The transport operators, LTA and the security agencies have also conducted several exercises to ensure that we are able to respond effectively to security threats to our public transport system.

In light of the Madrid incident, the Government and our public transport operators have stepped up measures to increase the level of staff vigilance. As I announced last week, the Government has set up a high level Committee to continually review the security of our

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public transport system. The Committee will undertake a comprehensive review of the public transport security arrangements, and will make its recommendations taking into account international "best practices". This review will cover both our rail and bus systems, including bus interchanges.

Ms Ng asked how effective these security measures will be. Experience elsewhere has shown that it is very difficult to fully protect any public transport system without drastically reducing its function and efficiency. However, the security measures that we have introduced, together with future enhancements, will help to deter and prevent a large scale attack that will seriously cripple the public transport system.

While the Government will continue to work closely with the operators to keep our public transport system secure, commuters also have an important role to play. We have thus embarked on a public education programme to increase public awareness and vigilance. The operators have put up security posters at MRT stations, and are regularly broadcasting security messages reminding commuters to report any unattended or suspicious packages. Similar measures will be extended to the bus interchanges. All commuters can help to ensure the security of our public transport system by being vigilant. This will ultimately safeguard their own safety.

The Member asked how much the additional security features will cost. This will largely depend on the recommendations of the Committee as it undertakes the review. However, since the public transport system is for the general public, the security of the system should be the collective responsibility of the Government, the public transport operators and the commuters. It is therefore reasonable

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that the costs of security measures be shared. The Committee will ensure that only security measures that are necessary will be added so that the cost borne by the commuters will be minimised and kept reasonable.

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong (Tampines): Sir, may I ask the Minister when the recommendations will be out? May I also ask the Minister how minimal will be the price increase for commuters?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, in fact, the Committee has been working for the last month or so and as soon as it finalises any recommendation it will proceed to implement it. Let me give an example - the decision to remove litter bins from the MRT stations. The moment that was decided upon, the operators were told to remove them. The decision to increase public awareness resulted in the posters being made and broadcast announcements being finalised and those were implemented straightaway. The Committee will not wait until all the decisions have been made before proceeding to implement them. They will decide and proceed to implement as and when they are made.

In terms of the quantum of increase, we do not really know, but I can assure Members that the Committee will ensure that whatever is implemented will be practical, cost effective and the cost increase will be kept to a minimal.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo (West Coast): Can I ask the Minister how will the deployment of train marshals be carried out such that it will not cause undue alarm among commuters?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: The decision to deploy train marshals has not been made yet. It is an issue that is being studied by the Committee.

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Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong (Non-Constituency Member): Sir, since the Police has actually cut down the presence and operating hours of the Neighbourhood Police Posts due to lack of demand, would the Transport Minister consider working with the Police to site some of the NPPs at the MRT stations for better policing, control, checks and police presence?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, I think the Member should direct the question to the Minister for Home Affairs.