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Comments of DPM and Minister for
Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng at Exercise Northstar V at Dhoby Ghaut MRT
Station, 8 January 2006 |
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Ever since September 11 and the arrest of
the Jemaah Islamiyah members in Singapore, we have stepped up our
security measures. |
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The train bombings in Madrid in March 2004,
and London in July last year, can happen to us. |
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We have been holding regular exercises for
some time since then. But those were on a smaller scale, e.g. a bomb
explosion or release of chemical agents in a location such as an MRT
station or the business district or the checkpoint. |
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Exercise Northstar V is the largest scale
exercise we have conducted so far. We simulated a scenario with multiple
bomb explosions and a chemical agent release in 4 MRT stations and 1 bus
interchange, to stretch ourselves and test our capabilities. |
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The focus of the exercise today (8 Jan 2006) is to
test our men in uniform and 20 other agencies. We will learn from this
exercise, and refine our plans and operations. |
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We must be prepared to handle a bombing incident
if and when it happens. More importantly, we must be well prepared to deal
with its aftermath as well. By preparing beforehand, it will help us to
recover quickly and hold together as one people, even in the most trying of
times. |
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Should such a bombing happen in Singapore, we must
not be cowed. We must stay united and stand up to the terrorists as one
people. |
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We are planning to hold more exercises from now.
Not all exercises involve the public as some are to test the agencies¨ own
operational procedures and responses. But there will be others like the
Exercise Northstar V held this morning which will involve the public. |
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Singaporeans should think about what to do
to protect themselves and their families. Taking ownership to learn the
drills, and knowing what to do in an emergency is one of the best forms
of protection. |
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For example, they can take part in exercises
such as the Emergency Preparedness Days organized by the constituencies.
The residents of Pasir Ris, for instance, have exercised the scenario of
a bomb incident and chemical attack in a shopping mall in Pasir Ris last
year. |
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All Singaporeans have an important role to
play in countering the terrorist threat. For example, they can help by
reporting suspicious activities. We receive an average of 10 calls daily
from the public reporting on suspicious items, sightings or activities.
We take all these reports seriously. A terrorist attack could well be
foiled by an alert member of the public. |
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As our terrorist analysts tell us, it is not
governments that win the war against terrorists. It is the people. |
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More: Roles of various agencies during Exercise NorthStar V |
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More: FAQ to Exercise NorthStar V |
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Source:
www.mha.gov.sg Press Release 8
Jan 2006
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FrontPage Edition: Wed 11 Jan 2006
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