Singapore, U.S. hold first workshop on radiological dispersal device threat reduction

A Joint Singapore-U.S. Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) Threat Reduction Workshop, the first of its kind held in the city state, opened Monday.

Organized by the Defense Science and Technology Agency of Singapore and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the United States, the workshop will cover topics ranging from control framework regimes to consequence management approaches.

Participants are expected to discuss issues like safeguarding radiological materials, as well as the possibility and consequence of radiological releases in ports, and metropolitan environment and buildings.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Ho Peng Kee said that there has been a growing concern that terrorists are inclined towards acquiring and using chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) weapons.

"Experts have also assessed that the intention of deploying such a (RDD) device is intended more at creating hysteria, instilling fear, and disrupting the social and economic system," Ho said.

Noting that Singapore has been enhancing capability developments and contingency plans against CBR terrorist attacks, Ho also stressed the importance of constantly engaging, educating and involving the communities in the government's preparatory efforts.

Source: Xinhua