LTA tests out new mass security screening equipment at Jurong East MRT
A new mass security screening equipment, called the Human Security Radar, was deployed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for the first time on Friday (5 April) at the Jurong East MRT interchange.
The equipment is an automatic walk-through system that can screen multiple persons for suspicious items, without disrupting people flow in busy areas such as the Jurong East Station.
According to an LTA Facebook post, the system is able to screen up to 10,000 people in an hour.
During Friday’s testing exercise, MRT commuters entering Jurong East interchange were directed through the Human Security Radar or through metal detectors and X-ray machines. The systems are certified to be safe for the human body, and are compliant with international safety standards.
Following the exercise, LTA will assess the feasibility of using such technologies before deciding whether to deploy them again in the future.
Minister Khaw weighs in on testing exercise
Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan also put up a Facebook post on the testing exercise on Friday.
He said in the post, “MRT stations are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. (The) question is how to secure them, without causing too much hassle to commuters, especially during peak hours.
“This is not a trivial question. Just see how airport security measures have required departing passengers to arrive earlier at the airport. Technology has to provide the solutions. CT Scanners in (Changi Airport) Terminal 4 are costly but they speed up security checks.
“LTA is testing the use of the Human Security Radar to complement existing security measures… It helps us pick up weapons or explosives that may be carried by potential saboteurs.
“With a titanium plate in my left shoulder (following a nasty fall which fractured my left humerus), I walked past the Human Security Radar with ease. It is safe. No beep.”
Exercises being conducted since February last year
Since February last year, the LTA and public transport operators have conducted exercises to check on their security measures, contingency plans and operational readiness in response to potential security threats to public transport nodes.
Similar exercises were previously conducted at the Downtown Line’s Newton Station, Circle Line’s Holland Village Station and North-East Line’s Hougang Station.
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