SINGAPORE – In a recent incident highlighting the challenges of border security, four Indonesian men, aged between 19 and 38, were apprehended by Singaporean authorities for unlawfully entering the country. The arrests took place on October 9, 2020, after the individuals were detected by the Police Coast Guard’s (PCG) surveillance systems on Tuas Reclaimed Land at approximately 8:30 PM.
The men were observed jumping off an unnumbered boat into the waters off Tuas Reclaimed Land and swimming towards the shoreline. In response, a coordinated operation involving the PCG, Jurong Police Division, Gurkha Contingent, Special Operations Command, and the Home Team Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Unit was launched. All four individuals were successfully apprehended within five hours of detection.
Subsequently, the men were charged in court on October 10, 2020, under Section 6(1) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 133, for unlawful entry into Singapore. If convicted, they face a jail term of up to six months and a minimum of three strokes of the cane.
Read More: Gold Demand in Singapore Soars Amid Global Uncertainty
The individuals have been handed over to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority for further investigations.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheang Keng Keong, Commander of the Police Coast Guard, commended the officers involved for their vigilance and teamwork, stating that the swift arrests are highly commendable. He emphasized that the PCG will continue to take firm action against offenders to safeguard Singapore’s waters and sea borders against crime and security threats, including unauthorized entry into and departure from the country.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Singapore in maintaining the integrity of its borders. The authorities remain vigilant and committed to preventing unauthorized entries, ensuring the nation’s security and sovereignty are upheld.
Source: CNA
