Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Security Checks of Personnel Entering Singapore Armed Forces Military Camps

Mr Nicholas Fang: Does security checks of personnel entering SAF military camps need to be reviewed in light of the recent incident where a civilian contractor attempted to steal a rifle from a full-time national serviceman?

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen: Sir, the recent incident mentioned by the Member where a civilian contract worker attempted to snatch a rifle from a full-time national serviceman, occurred just outside the Pasir Laba camp perimeter in a SAF gazetted training area where access is provided by public roads.

MINDEF's investigations revealed that the cadet put up a struggle with the worker as he attempted to snatch the rifle from him. The rifle was not loaded and no live ammunition was used in that training incident. The worker had momentary possession of the rifle, but the instructors quickly over-powered the worker, re-possessed the rifle and detained the worker for handing over to the Police. The unit commander in the Specialist Cadet School has reviewed the incident and is satisfied that the cadet had made his best effort under the circumstances to prevent the worker from taking his rifle, and the commanders present had acted appropriately and promptly. Police investigations are currently ongoing.

Our records show that such incidents are rare. In fact, there's only one such incident - this incident in the last 10 years. Even so, the SAF has after the incident reviewed its security measures for protection of camps, personnel and equipment and is satisfied that our current protocols are robust and adequate.

The SAF adopts comprehensive security measures for our camps, personnel and equipment, especially of firearms and munitions. Camps deploy stringent perimeter protection and routinely enforce strict security procedures. Security troopers are trained through regular scenario-based exercises to guard our installations. All visitors are subjected to security checks at the gates before entering the camps. In addition, civilian visitors must be escorted by appropriate camp personnel while moving within the camp.

Security measures are also routinely applied when SAF personnel train outside camps. Prior to the conduct of each SAF training activity, our commanders will survey the training area and take note of potential security and training hazards. Checks are routinely conducted for all soldiers during and at the end of each training exercise to ensure that all equipment and ammunition has been accounted for.

Every soldier knows that he is personally responsible and accountable for his personal weapon wherever he is, in or outside camps. This is repeatedly drummed into all NS men, as we know. Soldiers are reminded to always keep their weapon in their possession if the weapon cannot be secured in an armskote. They are also reminded to keep a look out for their buddies and their equipment at all times, as they did in this incident.

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