DPM Teo urges businesses and public to help fight terrorism

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean has urged the business community and public to work more closely with the government to fight terrorism.

Noting that terrorists constantly adapt their tactics, he said tighter partnership is needed to boost capabilities, responses and resilience to evolving threats.

Mr Teo, who is also minister for Home Affairs, was speaking at the National Safety and Security Watch Group (NSSG) Awards ceremony on Friday.

The event recognises the security efforts of the business community.

"The battle against terrorism is not just a physical battle, but also a psychological one. We must prepare ourselves mentally, so that we can recover quickly from an attack, and not let it affect the social harmony which we have built up over many decades," said DPM Teo.

"This is only possible if we have built strong, trusted networks over time," he added.

The Singapore Police Force introduced the Security Watch Group scheme in 2003, which was later renamed the Safety and Security Watch Group scheme.

The scheme allows police officers to engage the business communities on safety and security matters.

Examples include drills involving mock terrorist attacks conducted by the police and Singapore Civil Defence force at crowded areas such as ION Orchard and industrial areas such as Sungei Kadut.

The National SSWG Award was initiated in 2009 to recognise the efforts of members in the areas of safety and security.

A total of 189 members attained the award this year.

— CNA/jc