80-year-old security officer allegedly punched in the face while on duty at Bedok Central

SINGAPORE: An 80-year-old security officer was allegedly punched in the face during a night patrol at Bedok Central on Sunday (Sep 10). 

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Union of Security Employees (USE) said one of its members was deployed at a public area at Bedok Central on Saturday night and was patrolling the area at around 2am when the alleged attack took place. 

USE said that the security officer, referring to him as Brother Kwek, noticed a man sleeping on a public bench, "which is not allowed". 

"He informed the man who obliged and left," it added.

The security officer continued his rounds and found the same man repeating the same act. 

When the security officer reached out to him, the man "got agitated and started hurling vulgarities at him". 

"The man punched Brother Kwek on the face, causing him to fall and break his spectacles," said USE. 

It added that two restaurant workers in the vicinity held onto the man and called the police. The security officer was transported to the hospital for treatment and placed on medical leave. 

"Brother Kwek suffered lacerations and swelling on this face," the union said. 

The union was informed of the incident on Sep 11. 

USE representatives visited the security officer at his home the next day, where they extended quick relief vouchers and chicken essence. 

From January to August this year, there have been 23 cases of abuse towards security officers, according to data provided by the union.

This represents a 44 per cent drop when compared to the same period in 2022, with 36 cases reported. 

USE reiterated its officers are deployed to protect lives and properties, and they are executing their duties as provided for under the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA).

"The PSIA was enhanced in May 2022 to offer officers more protection. We hope the assailant will be dealt with firmly under the law."