Preparing Against Terror Attacks On Our Public Transportation Network

A counter-terrorism exercise codenamed ‘Quicksand’ was held on 27 January 2019 at Tampines West MRT Station. The exercise was organised by the Singapore Police Force, and supported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SBS Transit.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Adviser to Tampines Grassroots Organisations, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, observed the exercise which tested the coordination between the Home Team agencies, the public transport operator and the community in response to a simulated terror attack at Tampines West MRT station.

The Police recognise the important role the public transport operators play in emergency preparedness so that the overall resilience and security of the public transport network is strengthened. It is critical for the public transport workers to assist the authorities during an emergency, which could range from assisting with evacuation to performing first-aid. Commander Public Transport Security Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Koh Wei Keong said: “Public transport hubs have high human traffic and are targets for terrorists. Today’s exercise provides an opportunity for the Home Team agencies to work with LTA and the public transport operators to enhance their crisis management efforts and at the same time foster closer partnership with them. It is also important that the community is actively involved in emergency preparedness. The exercise demonstrates that when the community is prepared, with the necessary skills and knowledge, it can help to save lives.”

Mr Leong Yim Sing, Head of Rail, SBS Transit, said: "Exercises like this provide us with the opportunity to hone our emergency preparedness and make adjustments where necessary. It helps engage the public as well, reminding them that we must always be alert to the environment around us, and know what to do should an incident occur."

Community stakeholders and businesses are encouraged to enhance their emergency preparedness and may refer to existing resources at the websites listed below for more information: