The Launch Of SMRT Community Emergency Preparedness Programme
22 December 2006
The Launch Of SMRT Community Emergency Preparedness Programme At The Ang Mo Kio MRT Station Concourse - Speech By Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee Senior Minister Of State For Law And Home Affairs , 22 December 2006
President & CEO of SMRT Corporation Ltd, Ms Saw Phaik Hwa
Distinguished guests
SMRT Community Emergency Preparedness Programme participants
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon.
I am happy to be here at the launch of the SMRT Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (SCEP).
The Safety and Security of our Public Transport Systems – Everyone plays a part
2 From the sarin gas attacks in Tokyo (in March 1995), coordinated bombings against commuter trains in Madrid (in March 2004), attacks of underground trains and a double-decker bus in London (in July 2005), to the recent Mumbai train bombings (in July 2006), public transport systems are perceived as soft targets that terrorists exploit. These acts of terror have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and properties.
3 It is clear that we cannot take the safety and security of our public transportation system for granted. Singapore is home to over 4.5 million people. Over the years, we have developed a reliable and affordable public transport system, comprising the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and an extensive bus network. Daily, some 4 million commuter trips are made on our public transport system. While government agencies, together with transport service providers, are taking the lead to promote and drive safety and security awareness in our commuters, public vigilance is key to keeping Singapore safe and secure.
Community Emergency Preparedness Programme
4 I am happy to note that the SMRT is living up to its mission to further promote engagement with the public by involving them in safety and security initiatives, through the platform of its community emergency preparedness programme. SMRT’s proactive stance demonstrates its commitment to work in partnership with the community to stem potential threats in our public transport system, as well as enhance public resilience should there be any civil emergency.
5 I understand that the SCEP is developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Police Force, and the Land Transport Authority, involving students from the Singapore Management University and youth organisation, Heartware, the grassroots and People’s Association. Through this programme, SMRT aims to reach out to educationational institutions, private organizations and voluntary groups. This partnership involving government agencies, institutions and the community augurs well for the SCEP programme. It is through such coordinated efforts that we ensure a safe and secure home for all.
6 I understand from SMRT that many of you have shown great enthusiasm during the training session on the principles of safety and security, and had provided feedback on areas for improvement. Looking at the many eager faces before me now, I think the practical training session where you will witness a detrainment and to role-play, is a highly anticipated exercise in today’s programme. Please take these lessons that you have learnt and propagate them amongst your friends, family members, relatives and neighbours. In this way, more Singaporeans will internalize the role they can play in complementing our enforcement and security agencies by being an important first line of defence against potential threats, as well as in providing timely assistance during times of need.
7 You are a pioneering batch of 502 participants. Please go forth and replicate the message on the ground.
