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PM Lee: S'poreans must play their part to protect themselves from terrorism

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SGsecure movement, app launched

Terrorism threatens not just our physical safety, but also social harmony and way of life, and the Government's efforts alone are not enough to combat it, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday.

It is crucial that Singaporeans play their part to protect themselves and those around them, which is what the SGSecure national movement aims to do, he said.

Speaking at its launch at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Mr Lee urged Singaporeans to work together to respond with courage to terrorist threats and to acknowledge the challenges honestly.

He highlighted the evolving terror threat and noted how attacks around the world have been carried out by self-radicalised individuals who work alone and attack everyday venues using ordinary objects like knives or trucks as weapons.

In the Singapore context, this may mean attacks at MRT stations, hawker centres or shopping malls.

The SGSecure movement aims to get people to stay united in the face of such threats, with training for preventing and responding to attacks.

Mr Lee outlined the three roles people can play: prepared citizen, active responder and effective mobiliser.

PREPARED

At the most basic level, everyone should be a prepared citizen and should keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and report it to the authorities, he said. They should also be prepared to protect themselves and their family during a terror attack.

The goal is to have at least one member of every household trained.

People can train to become active responders and help others in times of crisis, said Mr Lee. They will be taught how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use automated external defibrillators.

The goal is for each constituency to have 300 trained residents.

Lastly, religious leaders, grassroots activists, unionists, Home Team officers and volunteers can play the role of effective mobilisers, Mr Lee said.

They will develop plans for their communities to respond and help to "resolve frictions that could undermine racial or religious harmony".

Mr Lee also unveiled the SGSecure app, which he said can help Singaporeans remain vigilant.

It can broadcast important alerts during major emergencies and people can use it alert the police of incidents or seek help.

Mr Lee said he had already downloaded it and he urged others to do so as well.

"At the heart of all these efforts is our determination to protect our way of life," he said.

SingaporeLee Hsien Loongterrorism