Safety Risks of Audible Notification Alerts on SG Alert Broadcast System

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the SG Alert system allows users to opt for vibration-only notifications instead of audible tones; and (b) whether the Ministry has assessed the safety risks of audible alerts for individuals in active shooter or hostage situations.

SG Alert is designed to expeditiously alert the public during time-sensitive and life-threatening emergencies, such as major fires, chemical incidents or terror attacks, so that they can take immediate action to protect themselves. Given the use cases, SG Alert does not allow users to opt for vibration-only notifications. SG Alert is, in fact, designed to override the phone's silent mode and emit a distinctive alert tone to attract the user's attention. It also displays a pop-up message that overrides whatever is on the phone screen.

For certain public security incidents, such as the ones mentioned by the Member, the Singapore Police Force may withhold the activation of SG Alert if it could endanger lives or hinder operations.