S'pore in touch with British security agencies since last weekend's foiled terrorist attemps in London and Glasgow

Jul 4, 2007
AsiaOne

Security agencies in Singapore have been in touch with their British counterparts, as part of cross-border cooperation to fight terrorism.

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar said such cooperation is important, as terrorists can strike anytime, anywhere, referring to last weekend's failed terrorist attempts in London and Glasgow as a clear example of cross-border terrorism.

His comments came in the wake of the arrest of an Indian-born doctor in Brisbane, who has been linked to the terrorist plots.

Urging Singaporeans to be prepared and vigilant against such threats, Prof Jayakumar, who is also the Co-ordinating Minister of National Security, said: "The terrorist events in the UK are a stark reminder to us that we cannot let our guard down against the terrorist threat.

"Let us hope a terrorist attack never takes place here in Singapore, but we have to be as prepared as possible."

Prof Jayakumar said he was impressed by how the British people have responded to the terrorist attemps.

He noted that members of the public sprung into action to help catch the perpetrators, and they displayed "the determination and resolve not to be cowed or intimidated and not to let these terrorists cripple their way of life."

These are qualities which Singaporeans should try to emulate.

On Saturday, a four-wheel drive vehicle rammed into the front doors of the Glasgow Airport's main terminal and erupted into flames. This incident came just a day after police uncovered a plot to detonate two car bombs in London.

Eight suspects have been arrested for investigations so far and yesterday, the Australian police detained an Indian-born doctor who was trying to flee Brisbane.

According to reports, six out of the eight suspects held in Britain are doctors.

When asked whether something similar could happen in Singapore, the head of terrorism research at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Dr John Harrison, said told The Straits Times: "The overall security situation in Singapore makes something like this less likely to happen here."

As a extra precautionary measure, Changi Airport is erecting a 22km perimeter fence put up several metres behind the existing one to deter would-be intruders. The 3m-high fence is expected to be completed by next year.

A police spokesman also said that border checks have been tightened and round-the-clock patrols along the perimeter and inside the airport have been stepped up. To enhance security, the spokesman added that stringent security checks are conducted on people and vehicles entering restricted areas.

For the full story, read The Straits Times today.

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