The terrorism threat to Singapore will persist, so long as the violent ideology fuelling the threat continues to find traction. Even though there is no credible intelligence, for now, of an attack being planned against Singapore, we cannot rule out the possibility. After all, Singapore was targeted in 2016 by two ISIS-linked plots. REGIONAL THREAT SITUATION REMAINS OF SIGNIFICANT CONCERN. Singapore attended the Fifth Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) Summit 2019 held in November 2019 in Manila, Philippines, and contributes actively to a number of information sharing projects under the CTF Summit’s South East Asia Counter-Terrorism Financing Working Group. 31. Singapore detained numerous individuals under the ISA for terrorism-related activities in 2019, including a Singaporean who was an alleged supporter of Sri Lankan radical preacher Zahran Hashim, identified by the Sri Lankan authorities as the mastermind of the April 21 terrorist attack in Colombo. Renewed Threat of Al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah. 28. The ICPVTR conducts research, training, and outreach programs aimed at understanding the causes of “extremism” and formulating practical rehabilitation programs. 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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Another Singaporean, Megat Shahdan bin Abdul Samad (Megat Shahdan), left Singapore in 2014 to work in the Middle East, where he was believed to have been radicalised. 19. Armed with these skills, individuals can respond more effectively if caught in an emergency. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, Travel to some countries and territories is currently exempted, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, What to do if you’re affected by a crisis overseas, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases. We use cookies to collect information about how you use GOV.UK. This strategy included vigilant security measures, regional and international law enforcement cooperation, counter-radicalization efforts, and a campaign to prepare the populace for possible attacks. The government also encourages inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogue through Interracial and Religious Confidence Circles and the inter-agency Aftercare Group, local community fora that bring leaders from Singapore’s religious and ethnic communities together to discuss issues of concern and build trust. ISIS’ persistent interest in the region raises the threat to Singapore. 36. 27. Besides staying vigilant, the community should also take steps to be better prepared for an attack. The authorities will, however, not hesitate to use the ISA to deal with individuals who are deeply radicalised or have engaged in terrorist activities.This includes any person who supports, promotes, undertakes or makes preparations to undertake armed violence. Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Singapore. 6. Singapore is a strong advocate for the ASEAN “Our Eyes” regional initiative, which strives for ministerial-level CT information sharing. As mentioned in the last report, two Singaporeans Haja Fakkurudeen Usman Ali and Maimunah binti Abdul Kadir had travelled there with their families. Singapore issued detention orders against foreign domestic workers for the first time in 2019, detaining three Indonesian women in September while investigating their terrorism … Singapore is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. 8. In a survey on public perception of the terrorism threat (see Appendix for key results of survey), fewer Singaporeans now see the threat as imminent, even though more recognise that Singapore is a target for terrorists. 22. The ACIP is a joint initiative between the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Commercial Affairs Department of the Singapore Police Force, with the goal of bringing together relevant government agencies and private-sector participants to strengthen Singapore’s capabilities to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. More Southeast Asian ISIS fighters could seek to return given ISIS’ heavy territorial losses in Syria and Iraq. Compared to 2017, ISIS-directed plots in the region have dropped in numbers in 2018 following the deaths of several prominent Syria-based Southeast Asian ISIS militants such as Indonesian Bahrun Naim and Malaysian Muhammad Wanndy bin Mohamed Jedi. Based on available information, Megat Shahdan is believed to have been killed. According to media reports, there have been 12 other terrorist attacks, and 13 terrorist plots which the Indonesian authorities foiled, in 2018. 9. To better detect possible terrorist movements by air into or transiting through the country, Singapore’s primary border security agency, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, is working to improve its passenger screening system by integrating API/PNR data transmitted from air carriers into its border screening processes. Countering Violent Extremism:  Through entities such as the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) and the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG), Singapore serves as a regional CVE hub. Singaporeans may also be radicalised by ISIS’ propaganda and take up arms for ISIS. And like in many other countries, Singapore also faces the risk of attacks by individuals who are radicalised by ISIS’ propaganda. The government believes in building regional CVE capacity, and has highlighted opportunities for constructive engagement for those concerned with the conflict in Syria and Iraq, such as promoting legitimate charities working to ease suffering in conflict zones. Alternatively, the government can issue a restriction order limiting a person’s international travel and changes of residence or employment without government approval. One harboured the intention of travelling to Syria or Palestine to participate in the conflict there, while the other two were allegedly involved in a Johor-based ISIS-linked cell that was plotting attacks in Malaysia.All three were repatriated to Malaysia. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Singapore released at least four individuals who were being detained under the ISA after assessing their rehabilitation progress and determining that the individuals no longer posed a security threat that required preventive detention. Singapore’s RRG, a volunteer organization made up of Islamic scholars and teachers, has had success in counseling detainees held under the ISA. 1. 17. The bombings were the deadliest ISIS-linked attacks in Indonesia thus far, and also marked the first time in Southeast Asia that women and children were used as suicide bombers. You’ve accepted all cookies. 32. Most are also more vigilant to suspicious objects and behaviours, and know what to do when they spot potential threats. Travel to some countries and territories is currently exempted.