Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Reviewing Policies and Procedures at Changi Airport to Identify Transiting Passengers Who May Pose as an On-Board Risk

Question:

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry is considering reviewing policies and procedures in place at Singapore Changi Airport to confirm that (i) the airport has all the necessary policies and procedures to identify passengers transiting through the terminal who may pose as an on-board risk and (ii) all security officers at the airport have received training on identifying and responding to members of the public who may be experiencing mental health issues.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. Our security agencies conduct regular patrols of Changi Airport, including the transit area. The airport’s security officers and other frontline staff such as check-in agents, cleaners, trolley retrievers and retail staff, are also trained to look out for persons exhibiting suspicious or irregular behaviours that could be of security concern, including due to mental health issues.

2. Airlines also conduct their own assessment of passengers. Those identified as an on-board risk, for example where they may harm themselves or others, will be refused boarding by the airline.

3. Suspicious individuals and those identified as an on-board risk will be reported to the security agencies for further checks. Appropriate actions will be taken to ensure everyone’s safety.