Man hit by bullet in restricted area near SAF live-firing exercise

A man was injured in his back by a bullet and sought medical assistance at a hospital, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on June 16.

The 42-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound on June 15 and a bullet slug was lodged in his left lower back, the police said on June 16.

His injury is not life-threatening, added the police, with the man currently in a stable condition after surgery to remove the bullet.

The man had been cycling with his friends at around 11.40am on June 15 within a restricted area of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) - between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs - that was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live-firing, said a Mindef spokesman.

His friends took him to the National University Hospital.

An SAF authorised live-firing exercise at its Nee Soon Range was ongoing about 2.3km from the site where the man was injured.

Live-firing activities at the range have been suspended.

Under the Military Manoeuvres Act, unauthorised individuals are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF live-firing for their own safety, said Mindef.

The area has signs warning against unauthorised entry, said the police.

The CCNR is Singapore's largest nature reserve, with more than 2,000ha of forest land and over 20km of trails, according to the National Parks Board (NParks).

Investigations by the police and SAF are ongoing. No foul play is suspected.

An avid cyclist, who did not want to be named, said the Woodcutter's Trail - which cuts across the CCNR and is within the restricted live-firing area - is popular with experienced riders looking for steep hills.

Cyclists typically start from Chestnut Nature Park, off Bukit Panjang, and ride 6km to get to the trail, usually exiting it near Mandai Crematorium or Seletar Reservoir, he said.

The cycling trail corresponds with the description of the restricted area where the cyclist was injured on June 15.

"Cyclists are aware that some areas in the reserve are military areas, and I have come across soldiers doing their exercises. They usually make way for us," said the cyclist, adding that riders have even hit the trail at night. "There were also some cyclists who were stopped by NParks officials as they left the trail. Some cyclists turn back to ride uphill to Chestnut Nature Park to escape enforcement action."

Another cyclist, who also did not want to be named, said he has been biking on the trail for some 17 years.

"It is worrying because, while illegal due to NParks regulations, this trail is frequented by hikers, runners and cyclists," he said, adding that there are signs warning against entering the area. He said he had encountered soldiers on multiple occasions while using the trail.

During a visit to Chestnut Nature Park on June 16, The Straits Times saw clear signs demarcating the restricted areas.

The park has two designated trails for hiking and one for mountain biking, as well as obstacle courses for cyclists. The trails are open daily from 7am to 7pm.

A group of hikers there, all of whom declined to be named, said they were unaware that there were restricted areas in the park. They added that they were hiking there for the first time.

In response to ST's queries, NParks said visitors to nature reserves and nature parks should stay on the designated trails for their own safety. These trails are identified by map boards, directional signs and trail markers.

"NParks takes enforcement action on visitors who disregard signs and choose to go off-trail. These visitors endanger their own safety and may also cause damage to sensitive habitats," said the spokesman.

In a statement to ST, the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) said it is not aware of the individual's identity, or the extent of his injury. "At SCF, safety is our top priority. We are committed to promoting responsible cycling practices and adhering to all safety guidelines and regulations. We strongly advise the cycling community to respect restricted areas and follow designated routes to ensure their safety and the safety of others," it said.