SINGAPORE: Singapore Law and Home Affairs Minister, K. Shanmugam, said the country remains a prime target for terrorist activities.
He said yesterday that recent attacks and arrests in Malaysia underscore the need for heightened vigilance.
Speaking at the Civil Service Club, Shanmugam emphasised the impact of regional developments on Singapore due to its proximity to Malaysia.
He said the continued threat posed by the Islamic State's (ISIS) violent ideology in the region and the ease with which attackers can utilise readily available items to carry out assaults.
"While no specific threats have been identified in Singapore, it is crucial for everyone to stay alert to potential dangers," he said.
Shanmugam's comments followed the Royal Malaysia Police's (PDRM) recent arrests of eight individuals linked to ISIS. The suspects, comprising six men and two women aged between 25 and 70, were detained during simultaneous operations across four states last weekend.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the detained individuals had threatened prominent figures, including Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and senior police officials.
Shanmugam acknowledged the significant role of Malaysia's Special Branch in mitigating threats to Singapore and the broader region.
"Our security is closely linked to Malaysia's security. Due to proximity, what happens in Malaysia will have an impact on our security landscape," he said.
He referenced Singapore's past experiences with the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) terror group.
In December 2001, Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD) thwarted planned attacks on key locations, including Yishun MRT Station and the Ministry of Defence Headquarters at Bukit Gombak. Following initial arrests, JI members regrouped in Malaysia, planning retaliatory attacks against Singapore.
"We remain a very important target for terrorists," Shanmugam reiterated, stressing the ongoing need for vigilance and cooperation in countering terrorism.