He was giving a written update on the status of the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into the escape of Jemaah Islamiah (JI) leader Mas Selamat Kastari from the Whitley Detention Centre last year.

Among the committee's 10 recommendations to rectify the weaknesses was that a new centre be built and located in Changi Prison.

The committee found Mas Selamat's made good his escape from a toilet at the Whitley Road Detention Centre (WRDC) on Feb 27 last year due to a confluence of human and physical lapses at the centre.

It also found that custodial protocols and procedures over handling detainees were 'generally sound', but made 10 specific recommendations to rectify weaknesses it had observed.

'All the specific recommendations have been fully followed up and implemented,' said Mr Wong, in response to a question from Dr Teo Ho Pin (Bukit Panjang).

On command and control in WRDC, the committee recommended that the Internal Security Department (ISD) assume overall command and control of WRDC.

Mr Wong said this has been implemented and ISD has clearly defined the security responsibilities of ISD and the Gurkha Contingent (GC) in the detention centre.

"ISD is in overall charge of WRDC operations, including all security matters, even as the GC continues to undertake the specific responsibility of guarding the complex. In particular, the WRDC Superintendent, who is an ISD officer, has oversight of the procedures and practices of the GC guards," he said.

The COI made four recommendations on carrying out regular exercises, training and audits.

The exercises, said Mr Wong, are now institutionalised as part of WRDC's operations.

Three levels of audits have also been introduced into WRDC.

Firstly, a new Security Section has been set up in WRDC. This Security Section conducts weekly audits of various processes, especially those involving detainees.

Secondly, a separate ISD unit conducts independent monthly audits of WRDC. It will also conduct annual comprehensive security reviews of WRDC. The third level of audit is an external audit by the Prisons Department.

In December 2008, the Prisons Department conducted its first audit and will submit its findings directly to the Minister.