1. Hello everybody, good afternoon. I am very happy to join you here today to mark the fifth anniversary of the Riders-on-Watch (ROW) volunteer scheme.
Background Of Riders-On-Watch (ROW)
2. The ROW scheme was launched in July 2019 by the Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) to help fight crime on public transport. Commuters are roped in as volunteers, acting as ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground during their daily commute. This network serves as an extension to our overall strategy in combating crime and terrorism in the public land transport network. The scheme has since been subsumed under the SPF’s Community Watch Scheme in December 2021.
3. I was pleased to learn that the network now comprises a community of more than 8,000 individuals. I want to thank all of you who have joined us in our mission to keep Singapore safe and secure. Your contributions have helped us to go about our daily commute without fear for our safety. And I must share with you, this is something that many Singaporeans I have met, appreciate very much. I always tell them that behind the safe environment that we have, are people like yourselves. And when they hear of such things, they also say “I want to play a part”. It shows that we value our safety, and this is something that we feel is important for Singapore and our families, take collective ownership for, and we make sure that Singapore remains safe and secure.
Efforts of our Members
4. The roles you play are multi-faceted. Some of you help to educate your friends and family about prevailing security and crime trends. Others take part in activities that help safeguard our communities. There are also volunteers who pick up emergency first responder skills, to be lifesavers in times of need. Many whom I have met are very passionate about wanting to help.
5. We have with us today a few outstanding individuals who have made positive contributions to our community.
(a) Ms Mariammal Poniogody detained a male subject suspected of taking upskirt photos of a female commuter at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station on 4 April 2023. Her vigilance assisted in the swift apprehension of the subject. She was given the Community Partnership Award (Individual) by TransCom on 2 November 2023. Thank you Ms Mariammal!
(b) Mr Pandiyan Sethuprivan. In August 2022, he noticed that a fellow commuter in the train was going through an episode of fits, and rendered assistance immediately. For his outstanding effort, he was given the Public Spiritedness Award by TransCom on 11 October 2022. Thank you Mr Pandiyan!
6. There are many more like them, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts. Your presence, commitment and support also give a signal that we do not tolerate crime here in Singapore. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the ROW network – that by leaning in a little, they contribute towards the safety and security of our public transport network. We will feature two other members of the ROW network in a video as part of our programme. And you see them in some of the posters we have.
Public Safety is a Collective Effort
7. With commuter ridership returning to pre-pandemic levels, crimes such as molest and taking upskirt photos/videos have resurfaced as areas of concern. Public transport networks worldwide continue to be an attractive target for terrorists.
8. I therefore want to take this opportunity to share a practical action that everyone can take to safeguard those around us in our daily commute. If you see something suspicious happening around you, do take down key details of the activity. For example, the number of persons involved, their physical features, and direction of travel. These details will be very helpful in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator, if a crime does indeed occur. So do not underestimate what you can do to help, because, maybe, at that moment, you are there, and we cannot do this alone. One thing I like about this ecosystem that we have is that everyone, with different roles, can play a part for one ultimate aim – to keep Singapore secure.
9. I also want to take this chance to invite members of public to join the ROW network. The bigger our network, the stronger the deterrent effect will be on would-be perpetrators of crime. I also want to thank my colleagues from TransCom for working together on this. I’ve met some of them during my visits or engagements, and I’m very happy that there is great trust for what they do as a team to keep Singapore safe and secure with regard to our public transport. So this is something that we will continue to work with you on.
Conclusion
10. In closing, I congratulate TransCom and members of the Riders-on-Watch network on your fifth anniversary.
11. Thank you, and I wish you a fruitful event.
