The Security Association of Singapore issued a statement condemning the attack on a security officer who told a man to wear a mask before entering Tampines Retail Park at the entrance of Giant Hypermarket.
Statement
[Assault of Security Officer While on Duty at Tampines Retail Park]
Security Association Singapore (“SAS”) has received a report and video footage of an egregious incident of assault against a security officer.
On 4 July 2022 at around 1020pm, Security Officer Sures Perumal (“SO Sures”) was on duty at the main entrance of Giant Hypermart at the Tampines Retail Park. His duties included ensuring that persons entering the building were wearing their masks as per the relevant safe management measures.
A male person without a mask sought to enter the building and was advised by SO Sures that he had to put on a mask, but that if he did not have one, he could get a mask from the Guardian Pharmacy just at the entrance of the building. The person was unhappy that SO Sures had called him out for not wearing a mask, and after shouting some vulgarities at SO Sures he entered the building. SO Sures continued carrying out his duties after this initial encounter with the person.
After a short while, the said person suddenly rushed out of the building and without warning, pushed SO Sures, while shouting vulgarities at him. He then started shoving and punching SO Sures. SO Sures did not retaliate. A member of the Giant Hypermart staff and members of the public intervened to stop his assault on SO Sures.
SO Sures suffered from bruises and contusions arising from the attack.
SO Sures is employed by security agency TwinRock Pte Ltd (“TwinRock”) which provides security officers at Giant Hypermart. TwinRock is an SAS member.
SAS strongly condemns this unnecessarily senseless and violent act against SO Sures, who was merely carrying out his duties. A police report has been made.
SAS President Raj Joshua Thomas said: “This is yet another sickening incident against a security officer who was merely carrying out his duties. New penalties for these crimes against security officers came into effect this year. The police attended to the matter at the scene and we will leave it to the authorities to investigate and take the appropriate action.
While shocking, I am also heartened that a Giant staff member and members of the public stepped in to defend the officer. SAS thanks them for their civic mindedness and responsibility.
Security officers play an integral role in ensuring our safety and security. As front facing workers, they often have to deal with difficult people and situations. We all have a responsibility to support them and to cooperate them. We must have zero tolerance for any ill treatment of our officers.”
This incident has occurred in the same month as Security Officers Day, 24 July (24/7). In light of this incident and others, a new Medal for Professionalism to recognise security officers who have continued to maintain professionalism and carry out their duties in difficult situations, including incidents like these. The inaugural Medals will be awarded at the upcoming Security Officers Day Awards on 21 July 2022.
SAS will continue to render assistance to SO Sures. SAS will also continue working with our tripartite partners to fight against mistreatment of security officers and to raise awareness of the severe penalties for such offences.
Security Officers can report such incidents via the Union of Security Employees Mobile Application or call the Police.
Image source: Security Association Singapore