For the first time, a counterterrorism exercise held at a hawker centre was part of Singapore’s Exercise Heartbeat, simulating an attack by self-radicalised individuals.
SINGAPORE – As you enjoy a plate of freshly served chee cheong fun at a bustling hawker centre, chaos suddenly erupts. Shouts pierce the air, followed by loud popping sounds. Masked gunmen storm in, shattering the peace of a typical lunchtime.
Amid the confusion, a man is seen collapsed against a pillar, blood pouring from his arm. An older man, seemingly calm amidst the chaos, kneels beside him, using his knowledge to improvise a tourniquet and stop the bleeding.
That older man? He’s Kevin Yong, a hawker at Marsiling Mall Hawker Centre, who, just moments earlier, was preparing your meal. The scene was part of Exercise Heartbeat, held on February 15, where over 80 participants, including hawkers, took part in a counterterrorism drill.
The exercise simulated a violent attack at a hawker centre for the first time, with participants acting out various emergency response roles. The scenario involved terrorists exploiting a cyberattack on Singapore’s power grid, followed by a diversionary car fire and an armed attack on the lunch crowd.
“I’m always prepared,” said Yong, 62, a former member of a community emergency response group. He demonstrated the “press, tie, tell” method of first aid during the simulated attack, which involved applying pressure to wounds, tying them off, and calling for help.
Yong’s fellow hawker, 61-year-old Chua Lay Sing, also took part in the drill, demonstrating the “run, hide, tell” strategy. Chua emphasized the importance of knowing how to respond in case of emergencies, especially since the hawker centre lacks a security guard. Chua, who runs a stall selling fried and steamed pastries, is the chairman of the hawker centre’s association, while Yong serves as its secretary.
Chua expressed relief that the drill went smoothly and thanked the local residents for their support. “Anything can happen, and it’s crucial to be prepared,” he said.
Both hawkers are part of the Safety and Security Watch Group Scheme, a partnership with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to enhance security at local businesses.
The exercise, which took place on Total Defence Day, saw a coordinated response between multiple agencies. After the diversionary car fire, the terrorists launched their attack during lunch hour to maximize casualties. However, members of the community, like Chua, alerted the authorities, leading to a swift police response. The situation escalated into a gunfight, with the SPF’s Ground Response Force and Emergency Response Team neutralizing the threat.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ang Eng Seng, who leads the Woodlands Division, praised the seamless coordination between the Home Team and local partners, including Marsiling Mall and the hawker centre. “This exercise highlights our readiness to respond to potential threats and disruptions,” he said.
The exercise showcased how community involvement and preparation can make a difference in saving lives and minimizing casualties in a crisis.
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