WE ARE sorry to hear of Mr Alan Kiong's experience at Tanah
Merah MRT station ("Embarrassed by luggage check at MRT station";
May 18).
The primary role of security personnel in our MRT stations is to
look out for suspicious people or activity, as well as conduct
random bag checks and regular patrols. All of them are trained to
conduct bag checks in a professional and non-intimidating
manner.
Following Mr Kiong's feedback, we have reminded the security
personnel to be professional and courteous when performing
checks.
Mr Kiong suggested installing luggage-screening machines similar
to those found at the airports. We have considered the suggestion,
but find it unfeasible to implement because of the heavy volume of
passengers who pass through the fare gates daily.
As luggage-screening machines detect any form of metal, they
will beep very often when passengers holding on to keys or wearing
metal watches pass through the machines. Any beep will require a
secondary check by staff, and this will quickly cause a bottleneck
at the fare gates, especially during peak hour.
We seek the cooperation of Mr Kiong and other passengers to
allow security personnel to perform their duties which enhance
security within the system.
Nicole Batchelor (Ms)
Manager, Corporate Marketing and Communications
SMRT Corporation
