“Zero Tolerance: Singapore Has Detained 50 Self-Radicalized Individuals Since 2015, Says Shanmugam”

SINGAPORE – Highlighting Singapore’s strict zero-tolerance approach to extremism and terrorism, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam shared that authorities have detained 50 self-radicalized individuals since 2015, with most of them Singaporeans. His comments on June 28 follow the recent arrest of eight suspected extremists in Malaysia and the deadly May 17 attack on a police station in Ulu Tiram, Malaysia, by a radicalized individual.

Given Singapore’s close proximity to Malaysia, Shanmugam emphasized that developments across the border impact Singapore’s security. The country has a two-fold strategy to counter potential threats: the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) enforces rigorous border checks, while close intelligence-sharing with Malaysian authorities, particularly the Malaysian Special Branch (MSB), enables Singapore to preempt threats.

Shanmugam noted that ongoing extremist narratives in the region fuel these threats, underscoring the need for early intervention and public vigilance. He urged citizens to participate in programs like SGSecure, saying, “If you find anything suspicious, report it to the authorities.”