MM Lee says S'pore not taking any chances in dealing with swine flu
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 28 April 2009 2112 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said Singapore is well prepared to deal with swine flu.

"It's like an act of god, it's like SARS. How long will it last? I don't know, but we are taking all the precautions. We are taking no chances. We learn from SARS and we got all the precautions in place," he said.

The minister mentor was speaking on board the Singapore Flyer on Tuesday where he had been invited, along with 140 of his staff, their families, and his family for a ride.

The trip is Mr Lee's first time on the Flyer since it opened on April 15 last year.

When asked about how Singapore's tourism industry will weather the downturn as more attractions open amidst the global recession, Mr Lee said there have been reports of green shoots in the American economy.

Although he has his doubts, Mr Lee said it is good that Americans are optimistic.

Governments worldwide are counting on a recovery in the American economy to lift the global economy as it is the key export market for many countries, such as China, Korea, Vietnam and Singapore.


- CNA/so