Businesses in Singapore urged to guard against terrorist attacks

Businesses in Singapore urged to guard against terrorist attacks

By Jonathan Peeris and Rachel Kelly

SINGAPORE: The threat of a terrorist attack on ’soft targets’ such as hotels, financial centres and shopping malls is very real, according to security experts who have urged businesses to take precautionary measures.

Speaking at a workshop on Wednesday morning, these experts said besides military or government buildings, terrorists are also aiming to cripple the economies of targeted countries by attacking their financial centres, energy installations and transport networks.

One key way to deter these efforts is to have a visible security presence.

Ilan Mizrahi, Executive Vice President, Bronfman International, said: “In a lot of cases, the moment terrorists see that the (targeted) place is guarded, they will try to find an alternative plan. That’s why the security steps should be seen – that’s very, very important.”

Mr Mizrahi was the former deputy head of Israel’s Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations.

He also argued that private companies must not only work closely with the government to prepare against possible terrorist attacks, but they should also increase the level of vigilance among their employees through regular drills and workshops.

Furthermore, these companies should work out contingency plans in advance. Other security experts also agree with this view.

Jasbir Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Security Consulting, Certis Cisco, said: “The existing weakness in the system is an area which we have significant control over, and we should focus on minimising the possibility of becoming the next target.”
- CNA/so
Source : Channel NewsAsia  - 08 May 2008

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