Man attacks security guard at Tampines Retail Park after being told to put on mask

SINGAPORE: A man attacked a security officer at Tampines Retail Park on Monday (Jul 4) night after he was told to put on a mask. 

In a media statement, the Security Association Singapore said that security officer Sures Perimal was on duty at the main entrance of Giant Hypermart at the Tampines Retail Park at around 10.20pm on Monday. 

His duties included ensuring that people entering the building wore their masks as per the relevant safe management measures, it added. 

While on duty, he saw a man who was not wearing a mask approach the building, the statement said. He told the man to put on a mask or purchase one from the pharmacy at the entrance of the building. 

However, the man was "unhappy" that the security officer had called him out for not wearing a mask, and shouted some vulgarities at Mr Sures before entering the building, said the Security Association Singapore. 

"After a short while, the said person suddenly rushed out of the building and without warning, pushed SO Sures, while shouting vulgarities at him. He then started shoving and punching SO Sures," said the association. 

The security officer suffered from bruises and contusions because of the attack, it added. 

In a video provided by the association, a man wearing a dark-coloured jacket can be seen shoving and punching a security guard near a pedestrian crossing at a car park. 

Two members of the public and a staff member can later be seen attending to the security officer. 

In response to CNA's queries, the police said they have apprehended a 57-year-old man under the Mental Health Act.

The man will also be investigated for voluntarily causing hurt to a security officer.

Police investigations are ongoing. 

"The Police take a stern view towards any abusive behaviour against security officers who are carrying out their duties, and will take action against those who commit such offences"

"SENSELESS AND VIOLENT"

The Security Association Singapore condemned the incident as an "unnecessarily senseless and violent act of abuse", adding that society must have zero tolerance for any abuse of security officers.

"This is yet another sickening incident of abuse against a security officer who was merely carrying out his duties," said Security Association Singapore President Raj Joshua Thomas.

"The police attended to the matter at the scene and we will leave it to the authorities to investigate and take the appropriate action."

The Union of Security Employees on Tuesday called the incident "shocking and despicable", saying that officers deserve safe conditions at work.

It urged the public to look out for security officers, adding that it has already handled 18 cases of abuse this year.

In a separate Facebook post on Tuesday, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan said: "There is no place for any form of abuse against our frontline officers who are performing their duties to keep us safe.

"It is an all-of-society effort, let us all treat our security and all frontline officers with the respect they deserve."

Mr Sures is employed by security agency TwinRock. Security Association Singapore and TwinRock will continue to render assistance to Mr Sures, said the association. 

"SAS will also continue working with our tripartite partners to fight against abuse of security officers and to raise awareness of the severe penalties for such offences."