SINGAPORE: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has elevated the security threat landscape globally, including for Singapore, said Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam on Wednesday (Apr 8).
Mr Shanmugam said the involvement of state actors, proxies and militant networks across the Middle East region has "raised the risk of attacks and spillover incidents beyond the immediate theatre of the conflict".
He was responding to a question from Member of Parliament Hany Soh (Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC) on whether the Internal Security Department (ISD) assesses there to be a heightened threat risk due to the Middle East situation.
She also asked how Singaporeans can help continue to safeguard the country's "domestic stability and safety".
In his written reply, Mr Shanmugam said since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October
Mr Shanmugam said that conflict in the Middle East has served as a rallying point for extremist narratives.
"Terrorist groups and their affiliates have capitalised on the conflict to disseminate online propaganda justifying violence and inciting terrorist attacks," he said.
"These extremist narratives have also increased the risk of self-radicalisation, particularly in cyberspace."
He said that a vigilant and cohesive Singapore is the best safeguard against these threats.
Singaporeans are encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities, including suspected radicalisation cases, to the authorities, said Mr Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security.
"We should also firmly reject any extremist or polarising narratives that could divide our society.
"These are important roles which everyone can and must play," he said.
Mr Shanmugam pointed to SGSecure's latest campaign, saying that it is an important reminder of every Singaporeans’ role in keeping Singapore safe and secure.
The SGSecure movement was introduced in 2016 to sensitise, train, and mobilise Singaporeans to play a part in preventing and dealing with a terrorist attack.
Beyond the security situation, the conflict in the Middle East has also sparked other concerns, such as fuel prices and food supply.
In his ministerial statement on Tuesday, Mr Shanmugam said that Singapore has not had to take more drastic measures seen in neighbouring countries amid the Middle East conflict, but may need to take further steps if the crisis is prolonged.
The conflict in the region is on hold after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday.
Iran has also agreed to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world's oil, gas and fertiliser passes, easing concerns for the global economy.
Mr Shanmugam noted in parliament on Tuesday that while several countries have taken steps such as implementing export restrictions on fuel or fuel rationing measures since the Middle East conflict began, Singapore does not see a need to do so for now.
“The position we put ourselves in before the crisis, and the steps we have taken since the crisis, have helped us remain relatively stable,” said Mr Shanmugam, who chairs the Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee.
“Nevertheless, if the supply disruptions increase, and if more suppliers are unable to supply fuel or gas, then potential disruptions to our domestic energy and electricity supply cannot be ruled out.”
That, however, remains a low-probability scenario for now, and the government is continuing to monitor developments closely, he added.
Mr Shanmugam also said that Singaporeans should be prepared for some food items from some countries not to be available and to “exercise flexibility in choosing alternatives”.
He added that only essential food types are part of the national stockpiles.
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Mr Shanmugam said the involvement of state actors, proxies and militant networks across the Middle East region has "raised the risk of attacks and spillover incidents beyond the immediate theatre of the conflict".
He was responding to a question from Member of Parliament Hany Soh (Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC) on whether the Internal Security Department (ISD) assesses there to be a heightened threat risk due to the Middle East situation.
She also asked how Singaporeans can help continue to safeguard the country's "domestic stability and safety".
In his written reply, Mr Shanmugam said since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October
Mr Shanmugam said that conflict in the Middle East has served as a rallying point for extremist narratives.
"Terrorist groups and their affiliates have capitalised on the conflict to disseminate online propaganda justifying violence and inciting terrorist attacks," he said.
"These extremist narratives have also increased the risk of self-radicalisation, particularly in cyberspace."
He said that a vigilant and cohesive Singapore is the best safeguard against these threats.
Singaporeans are encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities, including suspected radicalisation cases, to the authorities, said Mr Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security.
"We should also firmly reject any extremist or polarising narratives that could divide our society.
"These are important roles which everyone can and must play," he said.
Mr Shanmugam pointed to SGSecure's latest campaign, saying that it is an important reminder of every Singaporeans’ role in keeping Singapore safe and secure.
The SGSecure movement was introduced in 2016 to sensitise, train, and mobilise Singaporeans to play a part in preventing and dealing with a terrorist attack.
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Beyond the security situation, the conflict in the Middle East has also sparked other concerns, such as fuel prices and food supply.
In his ministerial statement on Tuesday, Mr Shanmugam said that Singapore has not had to take more drastic measures seen in neighbouring countries amid the Middle East conflict, but may need to take further steps if the crisis is prolonged.
The conflict in the region is on hold after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday.
Iran has also agreed to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world's oil, gas and fertiliser passes, easing concerns for the global economy.
Mr Shanmugam noted in parliament on Tuesday that while several countries have taken steps such as implementing export restrictions on fuel or fuel rationing measures since the Middle East conflict began, Singapore does not see a need to do so for now.
“The position we put ourselves in before the crisis, and the steps we have taken since the crisis, have helped us remain relatively stable,” said Mr Shanmugam, who chairs the Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee.
“Nevertheless, if the supply disruptions increase, and if more suppliers are unable to supply fuel or gas, then potential disruptions to our domestic energy and electricity supply cannot be ruled out.”
That, however, remains a low-probability scenario for now, and the government is continuing to monitor developments closely, he added.
Mr Shanmugam also said that Singaporeans should be prepared for some food items from some countries not to be available and to “exercise flexibility in choosing alternatives”.
He added that only essential food types are part of the national stockpiles.
Continue reading...