Preliminary checks by the Singapore Police Force found no threat items, and investigations are ongoing.
SINGAPORE: Security measures were tightened at the Environment Building on Scotts Road on Wednesday morning (Aug 23) after a bomb threat was received. The building houses the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) along with its statutory boards, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB.
“Preliminary checks were done by police and security officers at the Environment Building, and no threat items were found,” stated the ministry in response to media inquiries.
The Environment Building was one of 18 locations across Singapore, including government facilities, embassies, and other key sites, that received alleged bomb threats. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), no security concerns were identified during the inspections.
SPF is treating the incident as a “case of communicating false information of a harmful thing.” Authorities noted parallels with recent hoax bomb threats sent via email in South Korea by what appears to be the same individual.
Incident Timeline
The situation at the Environment Building became evident around 9 a.m. when multiple sources reported restricted access. While people were allowed to exit the premises, no one was permitted entry.
An email sent to employees at approximately 10 a.m. described the situation as an “emergency” and informed them that the building was under lockdown. However, those inside were allowed to leave if they chose to.
When CNA reporters arrived later that morning, a sign next to the ground-floor turnstiles confirmed the lockdown.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu addressed the issue on Facebook from overseas, stating that police had collaborated with on-site security for initial checks. “No threat items were found,” she reassured. “I’m monitoring developments closely and staying in constant contact with my colleagues.”
At 12:20 p.m., employees were informed via email that the building would remain closed for the rest of the week.
On-Site Observations
Police presence was notable, with five patrol cars stationed at the location. Officers were seen interacting calmly with staff and passersby. Those inside the building, including individuals in its cafeteria, were asked to take their meals to-go, as dine-in options were prohibited.
Workers and visitors were seen milling about on the ground floor, and security personnel reiterated that while people could leave the building, re-entry was restricted. Staff approached by the media declined to comment on the situation.
Security Measures Enhanced
Later on Wednesday, MSE issued a statement confirming stepped-up security protocols and restricted access to the Environment Building. “The safety of all staff and stakeholders of the Environment Building is our priority,” it emphasized. “MSE will cooperate fully with the Singapore Police Force in their investigations.”
