Spate of knife attacks spurs calls for better security

More security guards, public preparedness against violent incidents among suggestions

- Christine Tan

After four separate incidents over a matter of weeks from December 2023 left more than a dozen people with injuries, Mr Mohamed Ali found himself wondering if knife crimes were becoming rampant.

The 49-year-old, who works in the security industry, said his social media feeds made him more aware of violent disputes and fuelled his worries.

The father of three children, aged eight to 14, said: "It's very, very alarming... These kinds of (incidents) can escalate very fast.

"When my kids leave home, we need to keep checking in on them until they return. It may be really extreme, but we have to do what we need to do." He is not the only one concerned.

Pasir Ris resident Albert See feels there is a need for heightened security checks.

The 57-year-old was spooked by a slashing at Pasir Ris West Plaza on Dec 20, 2023. The attack, allegedly by a rival mobile phone business owner who was later arrested and charged, left three people hurt.

"In other countries, I often see security guards standing at the door of shopping malls and looking out for suspicious people. But we do not have this. Maybe people think it is safe," said Mr See.

Just days after the incident, six people were injured by an armed man as they gathered at Orchard Central to welcome the new year.

Then on Jan 11, a 56-year-old woman suffered minor injuries when a 15-year-old armed with a sharp object tried to rob a steamed bun shop at Elias Mall in Pasir Ris.

The teen was later arrested.

Barely a month later, seven people were hurt when a 20-year-old man allegedly attacked them with a small knife and a chopper in the Commonwealth area.

The youngest victim in the Feb 3 incident was only six years old.

After a spate of violent incidents involving weapons in 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revealed police figures as it sought to reassure the public.