A NEW $4 million laboratory and decontamination unit at Tuas Checkpoint, which can spot chemical, toxic and biological agents in consignments carried by trucks into Singapore, opened on Tuesday morning.

In the event of any accidental or deliberate spillage, checkpoints officers who come into contact with toxic substances can also decontaminate themselves in the unit within a few minutes of exposure.

VIDEO New checkpoint facility opens (1:05)

The two-storey Protective and Analytical Facility, located next to the cargo checking area, was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng.

The building is touted to be the first of its kind at border controls around the world.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Wong said hazardous materials like chemical and biological agents could be smuggled into Singapore by terrorists, so the 'facility is a critical addition to our surveillance capabilities of security-sensitive materials and infectious diseases that could cross our borders'.

Pointing to a 2 per cent increase in the number of contraband smuggling cases at the checkpoints last year over 2007, he added that 'if one can smuggle cigarettes, one can smuggle terrorist operatives or explosives into the country'.

There were about 38,600 contraband seizures last year.