SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has cautioned that cyber attacks should not be taken lightly as computer hackers can cause serious disruptions online and inconvenience people.

“There are government websites which the public use for sometimes essential services, sometimes for their convenience. So, I think we should not make it difficult for others to do so,” he said.

Mr Teo was speaking on the sidelines of a community event in his Pasir Ris constituency today (Nov 24).

He said that in many cases, what hackers do is illegal and the authorities will take action against them if they can be found and arrested.

Mr Teo also spoke about family and parenthood.

He said a supportive environment is needed for married couples to have children, so the government will play its part with housing and childcare policies.

However, he said the decision to start a family is ultimately a personal one, and the government wants to leave people as much room as possible to make their choices. CHANNEL NEWSASIA