False bomb threat made to Evergreen Secondary School; students and staff evacuated

SINGAPORE: Students and staff of Evergreen Secondary School in Woodlands were evacuated on Thursday (Jul 21) morning after the school received a bomb threat.

It turned out to be a false threat, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.

“The police responded swiftly and conducted a thorough sweep of the school compound. The police have completed their security checks and determined that it was a false threat,” said Mr Chan in a Facebook post.

“The school staff and students stayed calm and carried out their evacuation protocol as planned.”

Parents were informed via the Parents Gateway app not to send their children to school. 

“All students who were already in school this morning were fully accounted for, and they were asked to return home out of precaution,” said the minister. 

In response to CNA's queries, the police said a male teenager is assisting in investigations, adding that authorities are looking into the case under the United Nations (Anti Terrorism Measures) Regulations 2001.

The police said they were alerted to an alleged bomb threat at about 7.40am at 11 Woodlands Street 83.

No threat items were found during security checks, said the police.

"The police take all security threats seriously, and will investigate persons who intentionally cause public alarm," they added. 

Mr Chan said teachers are checking in with students on their well-being, and school counsellors are on standby to assist any student if required.

“I am glad that all our students and staff are safe, and thank the police for their swift response,” said Mr Chan.

“The safety of our students and staff is paramount, and the Ministry of Education will not tolerate any threat or action that endangers our schools,” he added. 

“Together with the police, we will take necessary action against anyone who causes public alarm.”