My son attended a childcare centre at the Ministry of Education (MOE) building seven to eight years ago. Every day, I would park my car in the open carpark behind the building and take him to the centre on the fourth level before leaving for my workplace.

I was not allowed to park near the drop-off area or wait there. Security guards would ask motorists to leave.

Two weeks ago, I drove my wife to the MOE building for an assignment. The security climate at the drop-off area has changed.

There were two cars parked there and nobody was in either car. There were also no security guards around. It was the same situation when I took my wife there a few days later.

Some years ago, the MOE building in Buona Vista was identified by militant group Jemaah Islamiah as a possible target. With more attacks around the world and the capture in Batam of terrorists planning to attack Marina Bay, security at ministry premises doesn't seem very tight.

My family was at Safra Mount Faber for dinner over the weekend.

A luxury black saloon was parked at the entrance. It was still there after we finished our dinner 20 minutes later.

The building used to have security personnel who would turn up to ask motorists to drive away.

I am not sure if there is an acute shortage of manpower in the security industry or if these places are no longer considered potential targets, and, therefore, security is less emphasised.

Chang Yong Yen