SINGAPORE -Singapore Police Force (SPF) is deploying 5,000 officers to provide land and sea security for the five-day Asean Summit which began on Sunday (Nov 11).
The 33rd Asean summit and related meetings are taking place at the Suntec Singapore convention centre, and SPF director of operations How Kwang Hwee said security arrangements require a multi-agency effort.
"The police are in charge of security and we are supported by other security agencies from the Home Team departments, the Singapore Armed Forces and the auxiliary police force," said Senior Assistant Commissioner How.
The summit will host 22 leaders and their delegations from around the world, including Russian President Vladimir Putin who is visiting Singapore for the first time.
The area around the summit venue has been declared an enhanced security special event area and will see strict security checks and measures. Across the island, security will also be stepped up especially in places with high human traffic.
Commander of central police division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Gregory Tan - who is in charge of security for the summit venue - said the deployment is unique as it takes place in the middle of the city.
"Every deployment is different, it's based on the terrain, the agenda and the attendees," he said. "So we had to be calibrated to ensure security is up to standard and we are not taking unnecessary risks, but at the same time make sure people can go about their daily activities and business flow within the central business district is not disrupted."
Several roads - including parts of Temasek Boulevard and Temasek Avenue, and lanes on Raffles Avenue, Raffles Boulevard and Nicoll Highway - will close progressively from Sunday and remain shut until Friday to facilitate security arrangements.
DAC Tan said security preparations also involved working closely with Suntec Singapore.
Mr Daniel Ang, senior director of operations at Suntec Singapore convention centre, said: "Suntec Singapore had numerous discussions and tactical table tops with the police and other agencies to put in place respective measures for seamless delivery and operation of the entire event."
This has resulted in tightened security measures and fire evacuation procedures and also training and briefings for staff, added Mr Ang.
Meanwhile, the police coast guard (PCG) is also carrying out operations to enhance summit security. The police's Marina Reservoir Patrol Boats will be plying the waters around the Marina Barrage, Singapore River and the Kallang Basin during the summit.
These boats are typically deployed during Parliament sittings and major events like the National Day Parade .
More than 300 cameras were installed across Singapore's coastline in July last year as part of the PCG's coastal surveillance system.
The flying of drones within the enhanced security special event area has also been outlawed during the summit period.
Offenders can be arrested, fined up to $20,000 and jailed for up to a year.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...yed-to-guard-land-and-sea-during-asean-summit
, which minister will be the welcome boi?
. If want to wayang put some garang one lah. Aduh....
