Companies have to invest in continuity plans to deal with rising terror threat

THE reminder from the government came loud and clear once again over the weekend: It's not a matter of "what if" a terrorist attack strikes Singapore, but rather "when" it eventually does.

At the launch of SGSecure, a new national movement to prepare, galvanise and sensitise Singaporeans to help prevent and deal with a terrorist attack, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke of how terrorism has become a constant presence in modern life. One of his main points was to stress that every group here - the Home Team, religious leaders, businesses, teachers, students and more - has to play their part to combat the terror threat.

He warned of how the threat has become more virulent and serious, with everyday venues such as MRT stations, hawker centres and shopping malls seen as potential targets. Just last month, there was a foiled plot by suspected Indonesian militants to launch a rocket from Batam to Marina Bay.