SINGAPORE (CNA) – Reports were made to the police regarding suspected bomb threats targeting 18 different locations across Singapore, including government structures, embassies, and various sites of significance.
Security checks were conducted and no items of security concern were found, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF), adding that it was alerted to the case at about 9.10am.
SPF did not provide further details of the threats or where the 18 locations are, but the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) separately confirmed that there was a bomb threat related to the Environment Building.
The police also said they are aware of similar reports of email bomb threats in South Korea recently – seemingly sent by the same person – which turned out to be a hoax.
“The police are investigating this case of communicating false information of a harmful thing under Section 268A of the Penal Code 1871,” SPF added. The offence carries a jail term of up to seven years, a maximum fine of SGD50,000 (USD36,800), or both.
“The police take all security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who intentionally communicate false information on bomb threats.”
The police were responding to CNA’s queries after the Environment Building, which houses MSE and its statutory boards the National Environment Agency (NEA) and water agency PUB, was placed on lockdown due to a “security situation”.
News of a potential situation at the building at 40 Scotts Road emerged at around 9am when multiple sources told CNA that people were allowed to leave but not enter.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu later wrote on Facebook that no threat items were found following preliminary checks by the police and security officers.
The ministry said on Wednesday night, in response to CNA’s queries, that it has stepped up security and restricted access to the Environment Building.
“The safety of all staff and stakeholders of the Environment Building is our priority,” it added. “MSE will cooperate fully with the Singapore Police Force in police investigations.”
Employees at the Environment Building were informed in an email at about 12.10pm that the building would be closed for the rest of the week.
In the event that similar threats are received at building premises, the police said security officers or auxiliary police officers should conduct a search for suspicious items.
“Some tell-tale indicators include items atypical of the environment, or with overt characteristics such as wires. Security officers and APOs have received training on how to assess whether suspicious items are of concern and how to handle such situations appropriately,” the police added.
Members of the public are also advised to stay vigilant and report suspicious individuals or items. This includes people in unusual attire and acting suspiciously, or parcels with stains, wires or emitting a strange smell.
