Selected MRT Stations To Have X-Ray Scanners & Metal Detector Like Those in Airports

By
Boon Hun
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There’s a reason why people love going to another destination but dislike the “airport” part.

It’s troublesome AF, mostly because of the security clearance.

While Singapore’s very own Changi Airport isn’t that bad, it can get pretty horrific at other airports around the world.

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Which is why I advocate travelling at “less popular timings” for flight. But that’s a topic for another day.

What I’m going to talk about might shock your pants off. Or like my fat boss likes to say, 吓死宝宝 (scare baby to death).

Cuz going to an MRT station is machiam going into an army camp. No, even worse.

Selected MRT Stations To Have X-Ray Machines & Metal Detectors

Now, by reading this headline, you’ll be thinking…fake news.

Except, it’s not.

According to the LTA, they’re going to hold a six-month trial at selected MRT stations where they’ll deploy metal detectors and x-ray scanners.

Yes, those you see at the airport.

And the best part? It’s happening on 12 Nov, which is like a few days from now.

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Up to six stations will have the equipment but LTA did not specify which ones.

In other words, be prepared to leave your house early next Monday just in case you’re the unlucky one affected.

Everybody knows more security = more time wasted at the MRT station.

Security Upgrading

The reason for this exercise, LTA announced, is to “streamline and optimise its security screening processes, and reduce the future impact on daily rail operations”.

In other words, to upgrade their security.

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Now, Hougang-ers, be prepared. An exercise will be carried out at Hougang MRT station on 5 Dec from 10 am to 4 pm.

During the exercise, you’ll be directed to Exit A or B to go through the security screening before entering the station.

Here’s What You Need To Prepare For

This isn’t the first time such a thing happened in Singapore.

Previously in February, the same thing happened.

An LTA official said that checks for each passenger would take an estimated 8 to 10 minutes for each passenger.

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The time includes queuing time.

Passengers will have to put their belongings through an x-ray scanner and pass through a metal detector gate.

So agar-agar and give yourself some buffer time next Monday, okay?

But, Of Course Lah, That’s The Price of Security

Millions of Singaporeans take the MRT to work and home every day. Which is why LTA is focused on upgrading the security of the MRT stations, which is a “key infrastructure” of Singapore.

So it might be painful but, hey, better be safe than sorry, right?

And the consolation prize is that these processes, if they’re not good for commuters, aren’t here to stay.

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During this trial, they’ll also source for feedback from the operators and commuters “for future security operations and emergency exercises”.

Their eventual aim: to be able to streamline the process and make it as smooth as possible for commuters.

Here’s what NCMPs are, and what to expect after GE2025:

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Boon Hun
Email: [email protected]
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