The Straits Times
02 June 2017
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- Biggest Worry Is Attack by Radicalised Persons Within S’pore: MHA
Biggest Worry Is Attack by Radicalised Persons Within S’pore: MHA
The greatest terror concern facing Singapore is an attack from radicalised individuals within the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said yesterday.
Mr Jasminder Singh, a senior analyst at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, said family intervention in such cases is key.
“We cannot wait until the person books a plane ticket or reaches the airport to tell the authorities,” he said.
“To save this individual at the first instance… tell the authorities the moment that he or she shows an interest in or sympathises with terror groups.”
In Singapore, the authorities launched the SGSecure movement last September to sensitise the community in the fight against terror. The SGSecure app, which can be used to send alerts in major emergencies, has been downloaded on over 461,000 mobile devices so far.
Programmes that seek to teach people life-saving skills and how to respond in the event of a crisis have also been launched.
Dr Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, said these programmes would go a long way in keeping Singaporeans vigilant.
“No successful attack can take place as long as people are vigilant and alert,” he said.
ICPVTR / Online / Print
Last updated on 02/06/2017
