On 26 Mar 1991, Singapore Airlines Airbus flight SQ 117 took off
from Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur with 129 passengers and crew
onboard at 1815 hrs. Four passengers who claimed to be Pakistanis
took control of the plane when it was enroute to Singapore. The
plane landed and parked at Changi Airport's Runway One at 2215
hrs.
Even as the plane arrived, an Executive Group of high-ranking
officials from various organisations including MINDEF, Ministry of
Home Affairs, Ministry of Information and the Arts, the Singapore
Airlines and a negotiating team were activated.
Demands
The hijackers claimed to be members of the Pakistan People's Party.
They wanted the release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto's husband and other PPP members detained in Pakistani jails.
They also wanted the plane refuelled so that they could fly to
Australia.
On 27 Mar 91 at 0230 hrs, the plane was moved to an outer tarmac.
The hijackers pushed two SIA stewards out of the plane, injuring
them. The injured stewards provided vital information, which
assisted the eventual storming of the plane.
Countdown and Rescue
The hijackers issued a five-minute deadline at 0645 hrs after which
they threatened to kill one passenger every ten minutes if their
demands were not acceded to.
On the countdown to three minutes, the order was given to storm the
plane. Elite Commandos stormed the plane, killing four Pakistani
hijackers and freeing all 118 passengers and 9 crew. The rescue of
SQ 117 was over in just 30 seconds and ended at 0650 hrs. None of
the passengers and crew were hurt.
PM Goh's Commendation
Prime Minister Goh expressed his appreciation to everyone involved
in the rescue, the officials from various ministries, statutory
boards and SIA. He praised them for their swift and efficient
handling of the crisis.
CPT Stanley Lim, the pilot of SQ 117 and Supt Foo Kia Juah, the
leader of the Police negotiating team each received the Public
Service Star for their role in the rescue. The SAF Commandos were
awarded the Medal for Valour while the members of the unit and
members of Police negotiating team were awarded Presidential
Certificates of Commendation at a separate ceremony.
