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Straits Times
a day ago
- General
- Straits Times
Singapore, US navies conclude 12-day bilateral exercise in Guam
Exercise Pacific Griffin, held from June 7 to 18, was held in Guam and its surrounding waters. PHOTO: MINDEF SINGAPORE - The Singapore and US navies on June 18 concluded a 12-day bilateral exercise that was held in Guam and it s surrounding waters. It was the fifth edition of Exercise Pacific Griffin , which began on June 7, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on June 19 . The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN ) participated in the exercise with the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme , with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter , and the Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty . The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) also participated with two Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and six F-16 fighter aircraft . The United States Navy (USN) participated with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS William P. Lawrence, the T-AKE oiler USNS Charles Drew and a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft . Naval divers from both navies also took part. During the exercise, both navies conducted a series of advanced naval warfare serials, including live missile and gunnery firings, as well as a simulated air defence exercise and simulated encounter exercises. The RSAF aircraft engaged in a series of sea-air missions, aimed at strengthening sea-air integration. Meanwhile, naval divers from the RSN took part in maritime explosive ordnance disposal and maritime counter-terrorism operations training. The RSN's Commander of First Flotilla, Colonel Daniel Ng Kok Yeng , said Exercise Pacific Griffin is 'a valuable opportunity' for both navies to enhance their mutual cooperation and understanding. 'The vast training space in the waters off Guam provides us with the opportunity to hone our war-fighting capabilities,' he added. Deputy Commodore of the USN's Destroyer Squadron 7, Captain John Baggett , said: 'We have a firm commitment to our partners in this region and a partnership with Singapore that spans nearly six decades. 'Pacific Griffin is one of many technologically robust training opportunities we participate in throughout the year that allows us to build dynamic competencies as an integrated maritime force.' Mindef said Exercise Pacific Griffin highlights the strong navy-to-navy relations between Singapore and the US, as well as the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relations between both countries. Apart from bilateral exercises, both navies also engage in a wide range of activities, including professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and participation in multilateral exercises, added the ministry. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Paper
2 days ago
- New Paper
Man hit by bullet in restricted area near SAF live-firing exercise
A man was injured in his back by a bullet and sought medical assistance at a hospital, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on June 16. The 42-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound on June 15 and a bullet slug was lodged in his left lower back, the police said on June 16. His injury is not life-threatening, added the police, with the man currently in a stable condition after surgery to remove the bullet. The man had been cycling with his friends at around 11.40am on June 15 within a restricted area of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) - between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs - that was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live-firing, said a Mindef spokesman. His friends took him to the National University Hospital. An SAF authorised live-firing exercise at its Nee Soon Range was ongoing about 2.3km from the site where the man was injured. Live-firing activities at the range have been suspended. Under the Military Manoeuvres Act, unauthorised individuals are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF live-firing for their own safety, said Mindef. The area has signs warning against unauthorised entry, said the police. The CCNR is Singapore's largest nature reserve, with more than 2,000ha of forest land and over 20km of trails, according to the National Parks Board (NParks). Investigations by the police and SAF are ongoing. No foul play is suspected. An avid cyclist, who did not want to be named, said the Woodcutter's Trail - which cuts across the CCNR and is within the restricted live-firing area - is popular with experienced riders looking for steep hills. Cyclists typically start from Chestnut Nature Park, off Bukit Panjang, and ride 6km to get to the trail, usually exiting it near Mandai Crematorium or Seletar Reservoir, he said. The cycling trail corresponds with the description of the restricted area where the cyclist was injured on June 15. "Cyclists are aware that some areas in the reserve are military areas, and I have come across soldiers doing their exercises. They usually make way for us," said the cyclist, adding that riders have even hit the trail at night. "There were also some cyclists who were stopped by NParks officials as they left the trail. Some cyclists turn back to ride uphill to Chestnut Nature Park to escape enforcement action." Another cyclist, who also did not want to be named, said he has been biking on the trail for some 17 years. "It is worrying because, while illegal due to NParks regulations, this trail is frequented by hikers, runners and cyclists," he said, adding that there are signs warning against entering the area. He said he had encountered soldiers on multiple occasions while using the trail. During a visit to Chestnut Nature Park on June 16, The Straits Times saw clear signs demarcating the restricted areas. The park has two designated trails for hiking and one for mountain biking, as well as obstacle courses for cyclists. The trails are open daily from 7am to 7pm. A group of hikers there, all of whom declined to be named, said they were unaware that there were restricted areas in the park. They added that they were hiking there for the first time. In response to ST's queries, NParks said visitors to nature reserves and nature parks should stay on the designated trails for their own safety. These trails are identified by map boards, directional signs and trail markers. "NParks takes enforcement action on visitors who disregard signs and choose to go off-trail. These visitors endanger their own safety and may also cause damage to sensitive habitats," said the spokesman. In a statement to ST, the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) said it is not aware of the individual's identity, or the extent of his injury. "At SCF, safety is our top priority. We are committed to promoting responsible cycling practices and adhering to all safety guidelines and regulations. We strongly advise the cycling community to respect restricted areas and follow designated routes to ensure their safety and the safety of others," it said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
ST Explains: What are gazetted, protected areas, and which are you not allowed to enter?
SINGAPORE - A man was hospitalised after he suffered a gunshot wound to his lower back while cycling with his friends in a restricted area between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs on June 15. At the time of the incident, the man was about 2.3km away from a military range in Nee Soon, where an authorised live-firing activity was taking place. Mindef said in a June 16 statement that under the Military Manoeuvres Act (MMA), 'unauthorised persons are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) live firing in consideration of their own safety'. Here is what you need to know about restricted areas in Singapore. In Singapore, an area can be recognised, or gazetted, by the Government for purposes such as conservation, public safety and national security. In the case of the cyclist who got hit, he had entered a restricted forest area specified by Mindef for firing practices or military manoeuvres. Mindef has the authority to declare areas for such purposes under the MMA, said LIMN Law Corporation managing director John Lim, an expert in land law. The ministry may also declare that such areas are no longer used for such military purposes. Other than military uses, areas may also be gazetted for the purposes of preserving the appearance of an area under the Planning Act, or tree conservation under the Parks and Trees Act, among others. These would be published in the Government Gazette, an official public record that is available online. Examples of such areas used by the military are the Jurong Troop Manoeuvring Ground, the Changi Troop Manoeuvring Ground and even Bedok Jetty, Mr Lim noted. Other areas also include firing grounds such as Pulau Tekong, Mandai Camp IV 25m Range and Nee Soon Ranges I and II, he added. Such areas are comprehensively defined by both coordinates and distance in the Military Manoeuvres Proclamations. There are two tree conservation areas – Central and Changi – which contain a particularly high density of mature trees. These areas are gazetted to prevent the unapproved felling of these trees, some of which are more than 100 years old, according to NParks. There are also over 7,000 buildings, mostly shophouses and bungalows, gazetted for conservation. These include buildings in the four historic districts of Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India, and some residential districts such as Cairnhill and Emerald Hill. You may have seen bright red signs outside certain facilities, warning people that the areas are protected areas or places, and that people should not enter such areas unless they are allowed to. According to the Singapore Police Force website, a protected area or protected place is a location 'where special measures are needed to control the movement and conduct of persons for public safety and security reasons'. Protected areas, such as the land checkpoints, are generally accessible to the public, while people have restricted access to protected places, such as military camps and water treatment plants, according to the same website. There is no one distinguishable factor between gazetted and protected areas or places, according to Mr Lim. Locations can be designated protected areas or places under the Infrastructure Protection Act (IPA), he said, adding that those locations tend to be sensitive installations or infrastructures such as the ICA Services Centre. Yes. It is possible that the same areas may be gazetted under both the MMA and the IPA. An individual found to have unlawfully interfered with a military manoeuvre or entered a camp without authority faces a $2,000 fine or a six-month jail term. Other examples of punishments include a $20,000 fine and two years' imprisonment under the IPA for anyone caught taking photos or videos of a protected area. A person found to have damaged a tree with a girth of more than 1m in a tree conservation area faces a $50,000 fine under the Parks and Trees Act. There are no known prosecutions under the MMA, said Mr Lim. However, there have been a number of prosecutions under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act (PAPPA), which was repealed and partially incorporated under the IPA in 2018. Notably, in 2010, Swiss national Oliver Fricker and his accomplice were sentenced to two months in prison for violating the PAPPA by breaking into SMRT's Changi depot. The Mindef website publishes advisories on the locations and dates of SAF military exercises, where live-firing and demolition activities may be conducted. The public should avoid areas where the SAF will be conducting military and live-firing exercises, Mindef says. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
ST Explains: What is a gazetted area and how do I avoid accidentally entering one?
The cyclist who got hit by a bullet on June 15 had entered a restricted forest area specified by Mindef for firing practices or military manoeuvres. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH ST Explains: What is a gazetted area and how do I avoid accidentally entering one? SINGAPORE - A man was hospitalised after he suffered a gunshot wound to his lower back while cycling with his friends in a restricted area between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs on June 15. At the time of the incident, the man was about 2.3km away from a military range in Nee Soon, where an authorised live-firing activity was taking place. Mindef said in a June 16 statement that under the Military Manoeuvres Act (MMA), 'unauthorised persons are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) live-firing in consideration of their own safety'. Here's what you need to know about restricted areas in Singapore. Q: What are gazetted areas? In Singapore, an area can be recognised, or gazetted, by the Government for purposes such as conservation, public safety and national security. In the case of the cyclist who got hit, he had entered a restricted forest area specified by Mindef for firing practices or military manoeuvres. Mindef has the authority to declare areas for such purposes under the MMA, said LIMN Law Corporation managing director John Lim, an expert in land law. The ministry may also declare that such areas are no longer used for such military purposes. Other than military uses, areas may also be gazetted for the purposes of preserving the appearance of an area under the Planning Act, or tree conservation under the Parks and Trees Act, among others. These would be published in the Government Gazette, an official public record that is available online. Q: What are some examples of gazetted areas in Singapore? Examples of such areas used by the military are the Jurong Troop Manoeuvring Ground, the Changi Troop Manoeuvring Ground and even Bedok Jetty, Mr Lim noted. Other areas also include firing grounds such as Pulau Tekong, Mandai Camp IV 25m Range and Nee Soon Ranges I and II, he added. Such areas are comprehensively defined by both coordinates and distance in the Military Manoeuvres Proclamations. There are two tree conservation areas – Central and Changi – which contain a particularly high density of mature trees. These areas are gazetted to prevent the unapproved felling of these trees, some which are more than 100 years old, according to NParks. There are also over 7,000 buildings, mostly shophouses and bungalows, gazetted for conservation. These include buildings in the four historic districts of Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India, and some residential districts such as Cairnhill and Emerald Hill. Q: How are gazetted areas similar to or different from protected areas or places? You may have seen bright red signs outside certain facilities, warning people that the areas are protected areas or places, and that people should not enter such areas unless they are allowed to. According to the Singapore Police Force website, a protected area or protected place is a location 'where special measures are needed to control the movement and conduct of persons for public safety and security reasons'. Protected areas, such as the land checkpoints, are generally accessible to the public, while people have restricted access to protected places, such as military camps and water treatment plants, according to the same website. There is no one distinguishable factor between gazetted and protected areas or places, according to Mr Lim. Locations can be designated protected areas or places under the Infrastructure Protection Act (IPA), or the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act (PAPPA), he said. Those locations declared under the Infrastructure Protection Act tend to be sensitive installations or infrastructures, Mr Lim said, while those declared under the PAPPA are areas and premises where special measures are deemed necessary to control the movement of people. For example, Shangri-La Hotel was designated a protected area under the PAPPA during the Shangri-La Dialogue, the international defence forum, on May 30 to June 1. Roads near and leading to the hotel were subject to closures or traffic diversions, while people who sought entry to the area required valid pass cards or permits, among other security measures. Q: Can a location be both a gazetted area and a protected area/place, and can I be punished under multiple laws if I am found in one such location? Yes. It is possible that the same areas may be gazetted under both the MMA and the PAPPA. Q: What punishments could I face if I go into a gazetted area or protected area or place? An individual found to have unlawfully interfered with a military manoeuvre or entered a camp without authority faces a $2,000 fine or a six-month jail term. Other examples of punishments include facing a $20,000 fine and two years' imprisonment under the IPA for anyone caught taking photos or videos of a protected area. An unauthorised person found to have entered a protected place without a valid permit or without prior permission, in violation of the PAPPA, faces a $1,000 fine and two-year jail term. A person found to have damaged a tree with a girth of more than 1m in a tree conservation area faces a $50,000 fine as a violation of the Parks and Trees Act. Q: When was the last time someone was charged under the MMA or the PAPPA? There are no known prosecutions under the MMA, said Mr Lim. However, there are a number of prosecutions under the PAPPA. Notably in 2010, Swiss national Oliver Fricker and his accomplice were sentenced to two months in prison for violating the PAPPA by breaking into SMRT's Changi depot. Q: How do I know when and where the SAF would be holding its training exercises? The Mindef website publishes advisories on the locations and dates of SAF military exercises, where live-firing and demolition activities may be conducted. The public should avoid areas where the SAF will be conducting military and live-firing exercises, Mindef says. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Man hurt by stray bullet in gazetted forested area near army live-firing exercise
SINGAPORE – A man was injured in his back by a bullet and sought medical assistance at a hospital, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on June 16. The 42-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound in his left lower back on June 15, said the police on June 16. A bullet slug was lodged in the man's back, said the police, adding that the injury is not life-threatening. The man is currently in a stable condition after surgery to remove the bullet. The man had been cycling with his friends at around 11.40am on June 15 within a forested area of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve – between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs – that was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live-firing, said a Mindef spokesman. His friends took him to the National University Hospital. An SAF authorised live-firing exercise at its Nee Soon Range was ongoing about 2.3km from the incident that injured the man. Live-firing activities at the range have been suspended. Under the Military Manoeuvres Act, unauthorised individuals are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF live-firing in consideration of their own safety, said Mindef. The area has signs warning against unauthorised entry, said the police. Investigations by the police and SAF are ongoing. No foul play is suspected. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
