SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES' CAMPS (Tighter security measures)

SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES' CAMPS:

(Tighter security measures): 1.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for Defence, in view of the heightened terrorist attacks, what measures have been put in place to ensure tighter security in the premises of the Singapore Armed Forces camps.

The Minister for Defence (Mr Teo Chee Hean): Mr Speaker, Sir, since September 11 2001, MINDEF and SAF have put in place several security measures and initiatives to protect SAF installations against intrusions. These measures include both a refinement of existing security procedures, and the introduction of new hardware and technology. Our forces providing security at the various SAF facilities have undergone additional training to familiarise themselves with the new threats. Security awareness programmes have been instituted throughout the SAF, including for new recruits, to raise security consciousness and vigilance among all personnel.

The 'hardware' measures put in place at our SAF facilities include the installation of intrusion detection devices along security fences and the use of CCTVs to enhance the monitoring of remote places. These are complemented by guards who make frequent patrols to provide added deterrence. These patrols are deliberately executed at irregular intervals so as not to make the routine predictable.

All public and commercial access to SAF facilities are regulated by stringent layers of checks. X-ray machines and walk-through metal detectors are employed to screen visitors and

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servicemen prior to entry. Physical searches by security personnel may also be enforced. Vehicles are also subject to inspections by undercarriage mirrors or cameras and explosives-trained sniffer dogs. To avert the possibility of vehicles charging in at high speeds into our SAF facilities, barriers have been erected to deny vehicles a straight run towards a facility. At key installations, mechanical retractable bollards and rising kerbs have also been installed and can be activated by security personnel should an unauthorised vehicle attempt to barge into an SAF facility.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo (West Coast): I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. I would like to ask the Minister how regular are audit checks carried out, especially at access points, in the monitoring of NSmen, military personnel or even reservists, and vendors in and out of the premises.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Sir, for entry and exit to SAF camp, there is a procedure which each one has to adhere to. So, those procedures are carried out on a daily basis whenever people come to the camps. The safety and security procedures at the camps are audited in the same way as other procedures in SAF units are audited by the inspection agencies. I do not have the frequency of the inspection intervals.