Singapore will raise spendings to fight crimes: Ministry of Home Affairs

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will increase spendings from the current 1.1 per cent of nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in fiscal year 2014 to around 1.3 per cent of GDP within the coming five year period to fight cyber crimes and demand for emergency medical services as the population ages.

For FY2015 (starting April 2015 to end March 2016), MHA will raise its expenditures by 11.7 per cent and reach 1.2 per cent of GDP, he told Parliament on Friday during the debate on the ministry's budget plans.

"With greater certainty and a higher level of funding, we can make long-term plans, develop our forces more systematically, build stronger operational capabilities, as well as strengthen community partnerships," said Mr Teo, who is also the home affairs minister.

Singapore's GDP was about S$390 billion in 2014 and is projected to grow 2-4 per cent yearly in the next few years.

The crime-fighting Home Team will also be reinforced by the addition of 2,000 officers in the next five years, according to Mr Teo.

Over the past 10 years, the Home Team manpower has grown from about 19,300 to 24,700 strong.