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SMRT pinpoints Bishan depot’s drains, canals as vulnerable spots

SINGAPORE — Following a string of security breaches at its Bishan depot, SMRT yesterday identified drains and canals running underneath the facility as points presenting security vulnerabilities.

Additional security features have been implemented to reinforce the Bishan depot’s 6.5km-long fenced perimeter. Photo: Ernest Chua

Additional security features have been implemented to reinforce the Bishan depot’s 6.5km-long fenced perimeter. Photo: Ernest Chua

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SINGAPORE — Following a string of security breaches at its Bishan depot, SMRT yesterday identified drains and canals running underneath the facility as points presenting security vulnerabilities.

In a media statement, the public transport operator said it had been working with the authorities to “urgently address the identified points of vulnerability to further safeguard the depot and its transport assets, while keeping in mind the pertinent drainage considerations”.

Responding to media queries, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said following the latest incident on Nov 8,it had initiated and carried out detailed surveys of the Bishan depot, together with SMRT and other government agencies. “SMRT will be taking action to improve its security measures to cover the network of drains that runs underneath the depot,” LTA said.

In all, there are three outlet drains — two of which are covered — that run through the 30ha depot, national water agency PUB said, adding that the entrance and exit points of the covered drains are outside the depot. The open drain is fenced out from the depot premises, it said.

The Bishan depot has been hit by three security breaches in the past three years. In August 2011, the words Jet Setter’s were found spray-painted on a train. It was discovered that the facility’s fence had been cut and additional security features were implemented to reinforce the depot’s 6.5km-long fenced perimeter.

On May 5 this year, graffiti was found on the exterior of a train before it moved out of the depot to begin its service. Investigations for this incident are still ongoing.

In the most recent breach last month, two German nationals have been arrested and are facing charges. They allegedly entered the depot without authorisation on Nov 6,7 and 8. It has not been established how they entered the facility. The pair allegedly spray-painted graffiti on the left exterior cabin of an SMRT train at the depot.

Security measures were ramped up further after the May incident. In that case and the incident last month, the fences were not breached.

When contacted, SMRT declined to comment on whether investigations into these cases revealed that the alleged vandals had entered the depot through the canals and drains.

On last month’s incident, SMRT said in its statement: “We are currently assisting the police in their investigations and, as the incident is before the courts, we will not be able to make further comments until the official investigation is completed.”

SMRT said the original open design of the Bishan depot “poses a number of unique challenges because of its size and full visibility from adjacent buildings”.

It added that it shares the public’s concern and anxiety over the security breaches. “Beyond train depots, there are extensive track lines and station infrastructure that must be protected,” SMRT said. “Millions of commuters use the network each day and there is a need to balance security imperatives with the efficiency of the public transport network.”

It said that, with national security agencies, it would develop an “effective strategy that encompasses deterrence, vigilance and swift response (to) prevailing threats”.

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