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Bishan SMRT depot vandalism may have wider security implications, say observers
SINGAPORE: More must be done to strengthen security at Singapore's key installations, said observers.
Commenting on the recent case of vandalism at the Bishan SMRT depot, they said the incident may have wider security implications.
On May 5, a train at the depot was apparently spray-painted with graffiti. This is the third time vandals have struck a key transport facility in four years.
It is believed a red scrawl with traces of white -- measuring three metres long and one metre high -- was found on a train's middle carriage.
Ang Hin Kee, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, said: "People still think they can get away with such acts. Whether you call it an act of mischief, or a freedom of expression… I think it's downright a very simple act of vandalism.
“There is no excuse for not knowing the severe penalties that cover, or that carry with it. And more importantly the fact that you have breached a security installation, and brought about a lot of societal concerns."
In May 2010, vandals cut through a fence before leaving their mark on a train at the Changi Depot.
A year later, a similar incident occurred at the Bishan Depot.
In the latest case, reports said the depot's perimeter fence was intact, and SMRT has yet to confirm any security breach, leading to suggestions of an inside job.
Dr Kumar Ramakrishna, head of the Centre for Excellence for National Security at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said: "This is hypothetical, of course. If they find out who is responsible is indeed from within, then certainly that calls for more stringent background checks.
“One of the potential scenario one could think of from a homeland security point of view, for example, one of cases we've had in Singapore -- in the past a few cases actually -- of self-radicalised individuals, these cannot be entirely ruled out.
“It always pays to be prudent. This is just a case of vandalism, but in future who knows, it may not be a case of vandalism, it might be worse."
The fact that this is the third time an act of vandalism has happened in a transport facility over just a few years has serious security implications.
It might unintentionally send out the wrong message that security matters are not being taken seriously enough.
Mr Ang said: "We don't want to be a soft target. I'm sure all measures and efforts will be put in place after investigating as to what caused this breach, to further strengthen where… the potential gaps (are)."
For the breaches in 2010 and 2011, SMRT was fined a total of S$250,000. - CNA/gn
The graffiti on the vandalised train appeared haphazard, unlike in the past two cases of defaced MRT trains, which involved well-defined work.
By Christopher Tan, Senior Transport Correspondent
Police have taken fingerprints of SMRT staff working during the early hours of May 5 - the day that a train was found vandalised just before it left the Bishan depot to start its service.
The Straits Times understands investigators are looking at all leads, including the possibility that the act of vandalism - the third which SMRT has encountered in four years - was perpetrated by staff or contractors.
However, they are not ruling out outsiders, though there is no sign of trespass. Sources said investigators are reviewing the footage of all video cameras in the vicinity of the defaced train.
Unlike the two previous works of graffiti found on MRT trains, the latest appears somewhat haphazard.
