Spending on homeland security to increase amid rising threats: Heng Swee Keat

SINGAPORE — The Republic will have to spend more on homeland security in the coming decade, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday (Jan 02) citing growing threats and the need to raise the level of preparedness among Singaporeans.

Speaking to reporters after viewing a joint counter-terrorism drill by the security forces, Mr Heng said spending on this front will be a “very major item” on the Government’s expenditure going ahead. But he declined to give specific numbers, adding that more details will be released during the Budget statement to be delivered on Feb 19.

“The security threats we are facing is among the highest in recent years, and so it is important that we take action to prepare ourselves to keep Singapore safe and secure,” said Mr Heng.

Singapore’s security spending has increased steadily from S$14.8 billion in the 2011 financial year (FY) to S$19.5 billion in the FY2016. About 27 per cent of the Government’s total spending in FY2016 was on the security sector.

In order to continue funding such expenditures, the Government would also need to map out its “long term expenditure projections as well as long term revenue needs”, said Mr Heng, adding that he would address this subject as well during his Budget statement.

The Government’s expenditure had more than doubled from S$33 billion in FY 2007 to S$71 billion in FY2016. In this period, social spending increased by 5 per cent, while spending on infrastructure rose to 7 per cent.

There has been talk that taxes could be raised this year to meet the country’s future needs.

In a recent speech at the annual Singapore Perspectives Conference 2018, Mr Heng acknowledged the anxiety over this year’s Budget statement but pointed out that it “cannot just be about taxes, revenue and expenditure”.

During Friday’s visit to the Home Team Tactical Centre, Mr Heng watched how the Armed Strike Team and the Rapid Deployment Troop responded to security threats within an urban setting. The Special Tactics and Rescue Unit demonstrated how they would storm into a room to apprehend terrorists.

Officers from the Ground Response Forces, the Emergency Response Teams and the Singapore Civil Defence Force also displayed their joint response capability.

The Home Team is looking to enhance the effectiveness of its ground operations by leveraging on new technology, such as through the use of data analytics, better sensors as well as virtual and augmented reality technology.