Terrorism is one of Singapore’s main concerns in national security. The country has been experiencing bouts of terrorist attacks and fears of new forms of terrorism.

1. Singapore’s Ongoing
Battle Against
Terrorism

2. Terrorism is one of Singapore’s main concerns in national security. The country has been
experiencing bouts of terrorist attacks and fears of new forms of terrorism.
Singapore’s History of Terrorism
Singapore has had its fair share of terrorist attacks over the years. In 1965, Indonesian
saboteurs bombed MacDonald House to show their refusal of Malaysia’s creation.
Singapore was part of the amalgamation of the Federation of Malaya as well as the British
protectorates of North Borneo and Sarawak.
In 1991, four Pakistani passengers hijacked Singapore Airlines Flight 117 in exchange for
the release of Former President Asif Ali Zardari and other Pakistan People’s Party
members. Weeks after 9/11 attacks, Al-Qaeda operatives attempted to detonate six truck
bombs across the country.
What is equally alarming is the rise of
other forms of terrorism in Singapore.
The International Maritime Bureau
reported that pirate attacks rose by
20% in the Malacca Straits. The waters
near Singapore were among the most
pirate-infested areas in the world. Early
in 2015, authorities arrested two
youths who were radicalised by ISIS for
terrorism-related activities.
Contributing Factors
While Singapore’s strategic position
contributed to its economic growth, it
made the country a primary target for
terrorists as well. It currently serves as
an entry point for goods and people
who go to other countries.

3. Singapore’s openness to other cultures partly
increased its vulnerability to terrorism. While
the country is predominantly Chinese, it has
a considerable percentage of Malays,
Indians, Arabs and other nationalities.
The country’s foreign relations are another
contributing factor in the terror attacks. Its
strong ties with the US and other countries
that are frequently targeted by terrorists
partly caused its involvement. Singapore has
military alliances with Western, Arab and
Asian countries to fight against ISIS.
Dealing with the Problem
The government continues to come up with measures to contain terrorism in Singapore’s
shores. Among their efforts is the strict implementation of the Internal Security Act and
joint military operations with other countries.
Singapore is most likely at risk of housing terrorist financing activities as a major
financial centre. As such, the government is enforcing strict anti-money laundering
measures for financial sectors.
Singapore is a primary target for terrorists, based on its history and increasing
importance to the world. Fortunately, the government, along with its military arm and
counterterrorism solutions, help prevent the growth of such threats in its shores.

4. Sources:
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asian-opinions/terrors-evolving-threat-singapore
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resourcelibrary/cyberpioneer/topics/articles/news/20
14/nov/03nov14_news.html#.VfeiQdKqqko
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/2-singaporean-youths-radicalised-by-isis-
arrested-one-of-them-detained-for-planning-terror