There is now a network of 84 security watch groups (SCH) helping to beef up Singapore's defence against the threat of terrorism.

These island-wide clusters, which represent a diverse range of businesses, from financial to petrochemical industry, hospitality and tourism, have sprung up since 2003 when the police stepped up efflorts to collaborate with the business community on protect their premises against terrorists.

Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Ho Peng Kee revealed this today at the Home Team Southern Sector security watch group seminar.

Prof Ho announced that 52 groups in the southern sector will be upgraded into Safety and Security Watch Groups (SSWGs) to better prepare them to cope with any emergencies arising from terrorist attacks.

"The SSWGs will aim to develop more robust and holistic plans to defend against safety and security threat with a view to strengthen the resilience and response capabilities of the business community," said the Minister.

"These clusters can work with the Police and SCDF to formulate evacuation plans at the cluster level, rather than only at the individual building level, as it is likely that several buildings in a single SSWG cluster will need to be evacuated in the event of a major incident.

"Contingency plans which have been jointly formulated between SSWG clusters, and the Home Team agencies can be tested, validated and refined through joint exercises. These may include mass evacuation exercises at the SSWG cluster level, involving the sharing and allocation of assembly areas when many buildings in the same area have to evacuate at the same time. Such exercises can give feedback on practical concerns. "

Prof Ho said the security watch groups network is a very useful platform for Police to network with the business community and reach out to them in helping them strengthen their defence against the threat of terrorism.

During the preparations for the IMF/World Bank annual meetings last year, over 100 SWG member buildings in Shenton Way, Bras Basah, Orchard and Marina areas collaborated with the police in a target hardening exercise.

Prof Ho said terrorists are known to target commercial and financial instituions in order to cripple a country's economy and maximise disruption, pointing to the massive economic costs of the 2001 Sept 11 attacks to America, which were estimated at US$2 trillion.

With this month designated as "Homefront Security Month" in Singapore, he urged Singaporeans to "be ready, stay prepared" - the theme of the campaign - to fight against terrorism.