DEPUTY Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng has identified the search for escaped Jemaah Islamiah suspect Mas Selamat Kastari as one of the key tasks for the police this year.

In his speech at the Police Workplan Seminar on Monday, he also recognised the commitment and professionalism shown by the police, including NSmen, the Special Operations Command and the Gurkha contingent, in the ongoing search.

He said: 'They were physically stretched by the ground operations, but they remained positive, committed to the mission and focused on their mission.'

Mr Wong, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, drew on compliments he has received from visitors and expatriates on Singapore's low crime rate, which stands at less than 700 per 100,000 people last year.

He also noted that Singapore has emerged tops in surveys done by overseas parties, such as the Global Peace Index, for its ability to maintain law and order and public safety and security.

Active citizenry has played a part in maintaining these too, he said, noting also that more than 400 community members were taking part in the seminar.

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.