While security officers play an important role in maintaining order and safety within our community, a few of them have unfortunately been subjected to physical assaults of late.
Last weekend, an 80-year-old security officer was patrolling Bedok Central when he told a man not to sleep on a bench.
In turn, the man allegedly punched him in the face, causing him to suffer cuts and swelling.
Source: Union of Security Employees on Facebook
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Union of Security Employees (USE) said the victim was Mr Kwek Moh Chai, 80.
He was working at Bedok Central last Saturday (9 Sep) night.
At about 2am, Mr Kwek was on patrol when he found a man sleeping on a public bench.
He told the man that this wasn’t allowed, and the latter left.
However, sometime later, Mr Kwek found the man sleeping on a bench again as he continued to patrol the area.
When he approached the man again, the latter became agitated and started spewing vulgarities.
He also punched the security officer in the face, which caused Mr Kwek to fall and break his spectacles.
Thankfully, two restaurant workers came to his aid. They detained the man and called the police.
Due to the incident, Mr Kwek suffered facial injuries. Photos by USE show lacerations above his left eye as well as some bruising.
He received treatment in the hospital and medical leave.
The police told The Straits Times (ST) that they received an alert regarding a case of assault on New Upper Changi Road at about 2.20am on Sunday (10 Sep).
A 37-year-old man is currently assisting with investigations.
USE found out about the incident on Monday (11 Sep) and sent two officials to Mr Kwek’s residence.
They gave him relief vouchers and some essence of chicken.
Source: Union of Security Employees on Facebook
USE said their officers are executing their duties under the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA), as such they’re protecting lives and properties.
The PSIA was adjusted in May 2022 to protect officers more. The amendment increases the punishments for those who intentionally harm security officers, including assaulting and using criminal force on them.
Those convicted of harming or causing distress to a security officer face prison of up to one year and/or a fine of up to S$5,000.
USE hoped the alleged assailant would be “dealt with firmly under the law”.
They also urged the public to report any abuses of security officers via the USE app or their email at use@ntuc.org.sg.
MS News wishes Mr Kwek a swift recovery from his injuries.
Also read: Driver Shoves & Injures Security Guard At United Square, Receives 6 Weeks’ Jail
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Featured image adapted from Union of Security Employees on Facebook.
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