Forum: Community groups are key stakeholders in crisis response

We thank Ms Norhaiyah Mahmood for her letter “Beyond counter-terror drills, people have a vital role to play” (April 4), and her appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Defence.

We agree with Ms Norhaiyah that counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness are necessarily whole-of-society efforts.

Community groups are key stakeholders, and we are heartened that many have come forward to contribute.

Under the SGSecure national movement, MHA and the People’s Association work closely to engage community groups through platforms such as the Community Response Roundtables (CRRT). The CRRT comprises key representatives from schools, businesses, and grassroots, religious and other community organisations within a geographic area, to facilitate collaboration and preparedness against terror threats. Table-top and crisis response exercises are conducted for CRRT members. The exercises help them to prepare for emergencies, and support the community after an attack.

MHA also works with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to engage community groups through the racial and religious harmony circles. The harmony circles have established strong rapport and familiarity with local community leaders. These networks facilitate the timely dissemination of information, and the restoration of confidence and trust between communities during crises. The harmony circles regularly participate in crisis response exercises, to prepare them to address any racial and religious tensions.

We thank our community and public sector partners for championing SGSecure to keep Singapore safe and secure.

Wilbur Sim
Director, SGSecure Programme Office
Ministry of Home Affairs