STATE AWARDS FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN THE NICOLL HIGHWAY OPERATION (STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS)

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STATE AWARDS FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN THE NICOLL HIGHWAY OPERATION:

(Statement by the Minister for Home Affairs) Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, Ms Irene Ng asked a question of the Prime Minister about the awards for those involved in the

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the Nicoll Highway operations, and I would like to make a Ministerial Statement on this.

The Nicoll Highway cave-in happened on 20th April at about 3.30 pm. Within 10 minutes, the first responders arrived at the scene. They immediately started the search and rescue operations that did not cease till four days later. It was a tragic accident and by far the most difficult and dangerous operation the SCDF had been called upon to tackle since the Hotel New World collapse in 1986. Not only was the incident site which measured about 110 metres by 150 metres huge, but the rescue operations were fraught with dangers to the lives of the rescuers from further soil movements and collapse. The rescuers had to work in chest-high, turbulent, murky waters, amidst unstable sharp exposed metal and concrete structures, and near-zero visibility to find and recover the four victims trapped under the rubble. Working round the clock in two shifts, the officers and men from the SCDF utilised all equipment and means, tactics and techniques, and sometimes literally even their bare hands, to undertake the very difficult operations.

At the end of four days of continuous operations, the SCDF managed to retrieve three of the four bodies that were trapped in the rubble. After heroic efforts, the SCDF had to give up the search for the last body, that of Mr Heng Yeow Pheow. The commanders assessed that it was too deeply and intricately embedded in the rubble to be recovered without unacceptable risks to the lives of the rescuers. We all share the grief of those who lost their loved ones, both foreigners and Singaporeans.

Significant ground movement had been recorded by teams of engineers from LTA, BCA and Japanese contractors. The untimely arrival of heavy rains

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exacerbated matters. If immediate actions were not taken to stabilise the area, the surrounding buildings might also be endangered. The rescue operations finally had to be called off at about 6.00 pm on 23rd April.

Before the collapse, Mr Heng Yeow Pheow, a foreman of Kori Construction, was supervising cementing work some 30 metres below ground level when he heard continuous buckling sounds from the struts. He immediately ordered all his workers to evacuate the area, but remained behind himself to ensure that all the workers were evacuated safely. Unfortunately, the exit stairs collapsed before he could escape. For his selfless and valiant act, the Government has decided to award Mr Heng Yeow Pheow the Medal of Valour (Posthumous).

The extremely risky and harrowing conditions at the Nicoll Highway cave-in testify to the dedication, persistence and bravery of the SCDF officers and others who took part in the search and rescue operations. That the DART officers succeeded in extricating three bodies buried under the rubble testifies to their courage and perseverance during the search and rescue operations.

Nine Singapore Civil Defence officers who were most directly involved in the dangerous search and rescue operations inside the collapsed site will also be awarded the Medal of Valour. They are:

MAJ Kadir Maideen Bin Mohamed

LTA Chew Keng Tok

LTA Ong Chee Wee

LTA Mohamed Nazim Bin Kudin

CPT Alan Toh

SSG Jaais Bin Sol

SGT Ahmad Faizal Bin Abdul Hanan

SGT Anuar Bin Ahmad

SGT Muhammad Hairul Nazwa Bin Dol

Commissioner James Tan Chan Seng who was in overall command of the

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rescue operation will be awarded the Public Administration Medal (Gold). He displayed strong and effective leadership. He led by example, being on the site all the time, tirelessly directing the rescue efforts, dealing with the media and briefing the relatives of the victims. The outstanding performance and high morale of the rescue forces under his command bore testimony to his management of the incident.

For their unwavering dedication, persistence and bravery, 18 other officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force will be awarded other State medals:

(a) one for the Public Administration Medal (Bronze); and

(b) 17 for the Commendation Medal.

I will ask the Clerk of Parliament to distribute the complete list* of names to Members.

There were other persons who made invaluable contributions in many different ways during the Nicoll Highway operations. They will be recognised appropriately through department commendations, commendations from the Minister for Home Affairs and in other ways.

We all hope that such a tragedy never occurs again, and will do our utmost to reduce the likelihood to the absolute minimum. But the performance of our SCDF professionals as well as an ordinary Singaporean with extraordinary courage in this Nicoll Highway accident should inspire all of us, and give us reason to be confident that confronted with the most daunting challenge, we will overcome the difficulties and not be found wanting.

• Will be printed in the Singapore Parliament Report.