Singaporeans’ preparedness in event of terror attack relatively low: Jayakumar

Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, April 13

SINGAPORE: How many Singaporeans know exactly what to do in the event of a terrorist attack near them?

According to a 2009 National Security Awareness Survey, less than half of those polled knew the practical steps to take.

This showed that the level of individual preparedness is relatively low, said Singapore Senior Minister and Co—ordinating Minister for National Security, S Jayakumar.

Speaking at a security conference on Monday, Professor Jayakumar said that while 80 per cent were aware of national security efforts, only half of the respondents felt mentally prepared to deal with the consequences of an attack.

He said the public plays a crucial role in enhancing national security, as the first line of contact and casualties are often the public and innocent bystanders.

"Their ability to react and respond effectively, whether in thwarting the attacks, damage control or aiding in subsequent rescue and recovery efforts, depends in large part on their level of preparedness and resilience," Professor Jayakumar said.

Professor Jayakumar also stressed that more needs to be done to get stakeholders involved in counter—terrorism efforts.

One way is through the process of "mainstreaming".

"Mainstreaming is more than just getting non—security related government bodies, private sector companies and the public to cooperate with security agencies," he said.

"It involves, really, a mindset change. It is about engaging the wider community to establish a cultural norm, as it were, of being vigilant and rejecting extremism and violence."

— CNA/yb