SINGAPORE - Two terrorists armed with guns mounted an "attack" on Pulau Ubin visitors on Sunday (July 1), firing into a "coffee shop".

One of the "victims" suffered a leg injury while another got a heart attack.

The scenario was played out as part of a simulated counter terrorism exercise - the first held in Pulau Ubin.

It featured officers from the Police Coast Guard's Emergency Response Team, the Singapore Civil Defence Force as well as volunteers from the Siglap C2E Community Emergency Response Team responding and dealing with a simulated gunmen attack on the island.

During the exercise, volunteers also demonstrated the "Run-Hide-Tell" protocol, improvised First Aid skills, as well as the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation technique and the use of automatic external defibrillator.

The exercise was part of the island's first Safety and Security Day held by the Singapore Police Force, SCDF, together with the island's own Pulau Ubin safety and security team. It falls under the SGSecure national movement to sensitise and train the community as prepared citizens so that they are able to play a part in preventing and dealing with a terror attack.

It is also part of the Home Team's community engagement efforts to enhance the safety and security of residents as well as visitors to Pulau Ubin.



Members of the Siglap C2E Community Emergency Response Team attending to a case of cardiac arrest as paramedics rush in after “terrorists” were apprehended during a counter-terrorism exercise held jointly by SPF, SCDF and Pulau Ubin Safety and Security Team for the first time on Pulau Ubin on July 1, 2018. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM



Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman, the guest of honour, officiated the event. Addressing residents and visitors, he said everyone has a role to keep Singapore safe.

He noted how the terror threat is growing regionally. He cited the example of the family of six who attacked three churches in Surabaya, Indonesia in May.

"We can play a part by staying alert to suspicious activities and report them to the authorities," he said.



Police officers firing at “terrorists” during a counter-terrorism exercise held jointly by SPF, SCDF and Pulau Ubin Safety and Security Team for the first time on Pulau Ubin on July 1, 2018. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM



Pulau Ubin is home to more than 30 residents. It is understood that there are about 100 reported cases in a year on the island.

Bicycle shop owner Chu Yok Choon, 73, who grew up on the island and still lives there, once encountered a break-in at his place. He said: “While island-life is usually peaceful, it is important that we are prepared in case anything happens.”