Safeguards against Possibility of Terrorist Attack Using a Vehicle

Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for Home Affairs what measures and precautions can be taken to safeguard public areas that have significant congregations of people from the possibility of a terrorist attack using a vehicle.

Protecting the public against terrorist attacks that use vehicles is a challenge that security agencies around the world are dealing with.

Over the past year, the Home Team has enhanced our capabilities to prevent and respond to a terror attack. Our response forces are better equipped and organised. We have conducted major counter-terrorism exercises to test our response measures. We have also improved our surveillance and analytics capabilities. We will continue with these efforts.

We recognise that it may not be possible to completely prevent a terrorist attack from happening in Singapore. Individuals who are determined to launch a terror attack can do so even without access to controlled items, such as arms and explosives. The Westminster attack in London was executed with a normal saloon car.

Thus, we are also expanding our efforts to engage the community through SGSecure. This will ensure our society is alert to and prepared for any attack and able to bounce back quickly after an attack.

Specific to the threat of attacks using a vehicle, the public can play an important role by being vigilant near roads in crowded areas. They can save lives by alerting people nearby if they witness vehicles driving unusually, and contacting the Police if they notice suspicious persons or vehicles.

We are also amending the law to ensure business owners of events and buildings take steps to protect them against terror attacks, including those which use vehicles.

The Public Order Act was amended last month to require organisers of events that attract large crowds, or are of higher risk, to put necessary security measures in place. To prevent vehicle-borne threats, organisers may be asked to install physical barriers, screen incoming vehicles, or plan crowded events away from areas that vehicles can access.

For example, for major events involving large crowds, such as the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, Police will work with various stakeholders to put in place security measures to prevent vehicle attacks. Some of these measures include checks on vehicles seeking entry into the event area, road closures, creating buffer zones between spectators and active roads, as well as installing barriers.

We will also introduce a new Infrastructure Protection Act later this year. This will require new, large-scale developments to incorporate security measures when they are being designed. These may also include measures against vehicle-borne threats. The Act may also require owners of premises to adopt additional protective measures, such as bag or vehicle checks, in the event of a heightened security climate.

These legislative amendments will help protect Singapore against terror attacks by improving security at key events and buildings. They complement the Ministry of Home Affairs' ongoing efforts to improve security response as well as community vigilance and preparedness against terrorism threats.