TransCom officers keep each other motivated after Jakarta attack

In light of terror attacks which struck Jakarta last month, Singapore’s TransCom officers tasked to maintain the safety and security of commuters at public transport networks had to constantly motivate their colleagues and remind one another not to give in to fear.

“During our group patrol, we keep each other motivated by telling each other that this is our duty to serve the country,” said SC Sergeant Nicholas Joseph, 24.

For 21-year-old SC Corporal Muhammad Farid, he would focus on training his juniors in ways to improve and better conduct themselves in their line of work.

“That way they will become more confident on how to protect and safe lives,” he said.

They were two of the officers on foot patrol duty at Boon Keng MRT station on Thursday morning (25 Feb). Parliamentary secretary for ministry of home affairs, Amrin Amin, was present to observe them.

Besides looking out for suspicious persons and articles at bus interchanges or MRT stations, these officers have a duty to explain their actions to members of the public when they approach commuters for spot-checks.

“We have to explain to them (commuters) why we are doing this job, and why we are approaching them. Most of the time they accept that we are checking them,” said Nicholas.

So far, Farid says he has had no problems when approaching people.

“Most of the time they will comply with us because they also have a part to play in keeping Singapore safe,” he said.

Conducting spot-checks on commuters can be challenging as some may take offense for being deemed a suspicious person.

Last December, a video of a member of the public taunting TransCom officers at Bedok bus interchange went viral. In the video, the man appeared offended and became aggressive after officers decided to run a spot-check on him.

Singaporeans have ‘nothing to worry about’: Amrin Amin

There is nothing for Singaporeans to worry about when it comes to letting TransCom officers - consisting of NSFs - protect them in times of crisis, Amrin said.

“Our officers have been trained and they have been prepared for times of crisis.

I think there is nothing to worry about but there is a lot that we can do together. It is not just the role of the police officers, or army, or the security agencies.

It is actually a shared effort by all for people to be alert because it is impossible for just the police alone to shoulder all the responsibilities,” he said.

When asked about how the Home Affairs ministry is tackling the manpower crunch in the Home Team, Amrin said that the ministry is managing by leveraging technology, among other things.

“Manpower crunch is something we have to manage and we are using technology. We are also involving community in our efforts across various fronts,” he said.

After the Jakarta terror attacks in January, Amrin said he felt “inspired” by the “determination and professionalism” of the TransCom officers.

“It could happen to one of us, why do you still come to work? The consensus - all of them - was our safety, our family’s safety is on the line. I think that speaks volume on the people that we have, the quality of NSFs, and their love for the country, and commitment to serve.”

Stay updated. Follow us on Facebook.